There’s something special happening this year, and if you love heavenly displays, you may want to keep an eye to the night’s sky. Experts say Wisconsin may be in for a celestial treat, as this year be exceptional for taking in the wonders of the aurora in the Badger State. Get your camera and warm clothes, and get ready for northern lights 2024 in Wisconsin. Here’s a look at what might be coming.

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a dazzling and fleeting display of light caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms in the Earth's atmosphere.

You can never be certain when they will appear, and catching the show is complicated further by the Wisconsin weather - if you live here, you know that cloudy skies can linger for days or even weeks in the Dairy State. Clouds often obscure every bit of the night sky.

But when temperatures drop, the clouds can clear. And this year, you could be in for a show. Scientists say that due to an increase in solar activity, the Northern Lights could be much more visible in places like Wisconsin.

While the Northern Lights are generally visible in northern latitudes, Wisconsin's residents can increase their chances of witnessing this celestial phenomenon by heading to areas with less light pollution.

If you have time for a road trip, you might consider heading north. Newport State Park, located on the Door Peninsula, is a designated dark sky park that minimizes light pollution, providing optimal conditions for stargazing.

Be patient: While the Northern Lights can be unpredictable, patience is key. Dress warmly, spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the night sky!

I’ve seen some incredible displays in northern lights in places like Northern Wisconsin and Door County. When I was a teenager, I sat on the roof of a friend’s car one night to take in the aurora. It probably wasn’t good for the roof, but it was quite a show! Get your cold weather gear at REI - here’s where to find more Wisconsin adventures.