On October 19, a breathtaking satellite image showcased Michigan’s stunning autumn transformation, highlighting the dazzling fall colors adorning both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. This vibrant display captures the essence of the season’s natural beauty.
Captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) aboard the NOAA-20 satellite, the image reveals Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, affectionately known as “the mitten.” Here, a rich tapestry of seasonal shades unfolds.
In northern Michigan, maples are ablaze with striking reds and oranges, while aspen and larch trees add their golden hues to the scenery. Though partially hidden by soft clouds, the Upper Peninsula shows similar vibrant tones.
In the south, a wealth of deciduous trees—like sassafras, hickory, and black gum—create an even more colorful landscape. Meanwhile, evergreen conifers provide a consistent green backdrop, enhancing the seasonal contrast.
Notably, the fall color season of 2024 has diverged from traditional patterns, primarily due to an unusually warm September.
When the satellite captured this image, northern coastal areas—especially near Petoskey and Traverse City along Lake Michigan—were reaching peak colors, while places like Detroit had already passed their peak.
“What’s great about fall in Michigan is that the entire state showcases its colors,” Nerbonne explained. “A summer scenic drive transforms into a stunning autumn adventure.”
Nerbonne also highlighted Michigan’s unique geography: “With 3,288 miles of Great Lakes coastline, the interplay of the vibrant blues of the lakes and the fiery reds, yellows, and oranges of the foliage is simply spectacular.”
This annual color change happens as cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours prompt plants to stop producing chlorophyll. As the green fades away, the underlying yellow and red pigments emerge, creating that iconic fall display.
While the Upper Peninsula has already experienced its first snowfall of the season, there’s still plenty of time to soak in the fall beauty.
“This weekend and the week ahead are perfect for enjoying those fall colors, but we are approaching the decline of the season,” Nerbonne noted.