For an unknown reason, Aurorae tend to increase around the time of the equinox. Normally the particles ejected from active sunspots are what form the aurora, but at this time of the year, a week or so either side of Sept. 22nd., the particles from the Solar Wind is enough to trigger a display.
Even though we are in the peak of the 11 year cycle of solar and therefore auroral activity, this peak has been strangely inactive.
To get an idea of the possibility of seeing them, keep your eye on a website like
this one. Right now, the activity is shown as 'High' and from the top of the Bruce Peninsula, the Aurora should be visible low on the northern horizon. The same map shows that the aurora does not appear overhead, and therefore more spectacular, until you as far north and west as Lake of the Woods, MN. This area has the same amount of auroral visibility as the Alaskan Panhandle.
Sometimes I sit and think deep thoughts. other times, I just sit!
