Aurora Summit 26 Brings Must-See Presentations to New Location; Offers First-Ever Virtual Option

Become part of the adventure! We’re excited to invite the public to Aurora Summit 26: Celebrating the Art, Culture, Science and Photography of the Aurora. It’s an annual convention celebrating the Northern Lights that has something for everyone, from absolute beginners to advanced photographers and space weather enthusiasts. Already this year, guests are attending the Aurora Summit from over 14 U.S. states and four countries. The last day to register to attend is October 1st, and we’re proud to offer a Virtual Option for the very first time!

The 9th Annual Aurora Summit brings Aurora Chasers together every year for a weekend convention in the USA, as we chase the Northern Lights and teach you everything you need to know to capture it on your own. The Aurora Summit runs in Houghton, Michigan, USA, from November 6-8, 2026, with an optional, add-on pre-conference program called AS26 Photography Bootcamp offered on Friday, November 6th.

During the Aurora Summit, we will present panel discussions, hands-on night photography clinics, educational sessions, a group chase, trivia, and raffle prizes. The event will include vendors, sponsors and book signings with authors — all presenting unique opportunities to experience or take home a memory of the Northern Lights. On Saturday night, we’ll venture out under the night sky on a group chase to try to catch the Aurora together along Michigan’s beautiful waterways. One lucky guest will win the Grand Prize, a free ground-trip to Alaska* to chase the Northern Lights in the Auroral Zone, with Cosmic Chaos Adventures in March 2027!

Register by Oct. 1: TheAuroraSummit.com

At the 9th Annual Aurora Summit, we are proud to present many new and returning Aurora Chasing all-stars! The Aurora Summit will feature these presentations and presenters: 

• Keynote Speaker Joe Buffalo Child, Indigenous Dene Aurora Chaser, CEO and Owner of North Star Adventures in Canada’s Northwest Territories
• “Capturing Real-Time Video and Timelapse of the Northern Lights,”
  with The Aurora Guy Vincent Ledvina
• “iPhone Night Photography; Equipment, Tips and Tricks,”
  with Michigan Aurora Chasers Admin Patrick Grubba
• “Clouds! Using Aviation Forecasts to Predict Clear Skies,”
  with Pilot Andy Berry
• “Auroral Citizen Science – A fulfilling add-on for aurora photographers,”
  with Donna Lach, co-author of the Aurora Field Guide from the ARCTICS Team
• “Cultural Beliefs Concerning Aurora Borealis,”
  with Lifelong Aurora Chaser Alan Atwood of Mystic Rhythms Imagery
• “Beyond the Forecast: Making the Most of an Aurora Chase,”
  including forecasting, with Author Thomas Oliver who wrote “The Keweenaw Aurora Guide”
• “Aurora Apps: Data at Your Fingertips,”
  with Space Weather Unplugged Co-Host Tanya Melnik
• “Aurora Photography – Capturing the Auroras with Manual Camera Settings,”
  with Professional Photographer Paul Schneider
• “Foregrounds, the Foreplay of Aurora Photography: How to Find Better Places to Do It,”
  with Northern Lights of Wisconsin Admin Richard Montano
• “Further South Than You Think: Mid-latitude Aurora Forecasting and Chasing in Substorms (For Beginners!),”
  with Pennsylvania Aurora Chaser Jeremy Cruz

As well as interactive panel discussions: 

• Chase the Aurora: Answers to Every Question Under the Sun
  Friday Night Panel answering your questions, moderated by Co-Founder & Author Melissa F. Kaelin
• Epic Failures! Humorous and Humbling Stories from the Chase 
  Saturday Afternoon Panel, moderated by Co-Founder & Tour Guide Dixie J. Burbank

You’ll discover these topics and many more, while developing masterful skills in Aurora photography, timelapse and forecasting! The program may be subject to change. 

Browse our options to attend below, including Full Admission for the in-person event, our new Virtual REPLAY!, and an optional add-on Photography Bootcamp with hands-on, in-person training:

Aurora Summit 26: Celebrating the Art, Culture, Science and Photography of the Aurora
Featuring Keynote Speaker Joe Buffalo Child
November 6-8, 2026 
BONFIRE! at the Continental Fire Company
Houghton, Michigan, USA
Full Admission: $349, plus fees
Register for Full Admission by Oct. 1: TheAuroraSummit.com
(All meals included when staying at the host hotel, which offers a hot breakfast)

NEW! Virtual Option for Aurora Summit REPLAY
Enjoy Breakout Sessions with Virtual Admission**
Choose this ticket to attend the Aurora Summit virtually with recorded breakout sessions, delivered after the event! This option gets you access at least 9 recorded breakouts and presentations. Access information will be emailed to you a week after the event. Register by November 8th: https://aurorasummit26.eventzilla.net/
Virtual Admission: $199, plus fees
** Registered In-Person Guests, Check your email for a discount on Aurora Summit REPLAY!

AS26 Photography Bootcamp: Featuring Blue Hour Blends
Led by Award-Winning Instructor Marc Rassel
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 6, 2026
Michigan Tech Alumni Center (MTAC) Ford Conference, Room 101
1404 E. Sharon Avenue, Houghton, Michigan 49931
Optional Photography Bootcamp: $89, in addition to conference admission
(Lunch included! This is an exclusive offer for Aurora Summit guests only, must be registered to attend.)

Join us! The Aurora Summit is open to the public, and it is not affiliated with any group. Registration includes all meals when you stay at the host hotel, The Hampton Inn & Suites. Details on our website. 

Thank you to our Official Sponsors, including Platinum Sponsor: Visit Keweenaw; Silver Sponsor: SpaceWeatherLive; Bronze Sponsor: Hampton Inn & Suites Houghton, by Hilton!

Register by October 1: TheAuroraSummit.com
Direct link on Eventzilla: https://aurorasummit26.eventzilla.net/e/2138672815

#AuroraSummit26

*Must be present on Sunday at noon to win! Some conditions apply.