Vibrant Views: Aurora Chasing in Grand Forks

When I first got to UND in 2021 and moved into the dorms, I kept hearing people talk about “going chasing” I had no idea what that meant. Chasing what?

Eventually, I realized they were talking about the Northern Lights. My friends would carpool late at night, checking forecasts and looking at their phones. They’d invite me every time, and every time I had an excuse. It was too cold, too late, and honestly, it didn’t seem worth driving out of Grand Forks for something that was not even guaranteed. Until one night, I finally said yes.

We drove out of town into complete darkness. At first, it was just a normal night sky. Then slowly, a faint green glow appeared and started moving.

Within minutes, the sky came alive. Waves of green stretched across the horizon, shifting and dancing in a way that did not feel real. It was so silent but beautiful. I just stood there thinking, how have I been saying no to this? Since that night, I have never turned down another chance to go aurora chasing.

You do not need much to get started, which is part of what makes it so easy to say yes.

North Dakota nights can get a little chilly no matter the season. Having a blanket makes it a lot more enjoyable when you are standing outside waiting for the lights to appear. A camera is not required, but it definitely enhances the experience. Sometimes the lights show up even stronger through a lens, especially with long exposure. But even without one, it is still just as incredible to see with your own eyes.

The key is getting away from city lights. Most of the time, that means driving just outside of Grand Forks. Open fields, quiet roads, and anywhere the sky feels big and uninterrupted are perfect spots. There is something about being out there, in the middle of nowhere, that makes the experience even better.

Aurora chasing is not completely random. There is a bit of strategy involved. People watch for solar activity and forecasts to know when there is a higher chance of seeing the lights. When the conditions are right, it does not take long before people start heading out.

One of the best ways to know when the lights are visible is through local Facebook groups. People post updates in real time, sometimes even photos, and suddenly everyone is grabbing their keys and heading out. It turns into this shared experience across the community, even if you are all in different spots.

For more reliable tracking, people also check updates from the National Weather Service and Space Weather. These give a better idea of when activity might be strong enough to see something. It is not exact science, but it definitely helps.

Aurora chasing has become one of those experiences I did not expect to love as much as I do. It is unpredictable, a little inconvenient, and sometimes you see nothing at all.

But when it works, it is unforgettable. There is something about standing under a sky that feels alive, surrounded by friends, just waiting to see what happens. It reminds you how big the world is in the best way.

So, if someone asks you to go chasing and you are thinking of saying no, do not. Just go.