Wyoming is a state that is blessed with abundant natural beauty. From the majestic peaks of the Grand Tetons to the geysers and wildlife of Yellowstone to the unexpected beauty of the Black Hills region, Wyoming offers a variety of landscapes and experiences for travelers. But there is one natural wonder that might just surpass them all: the sky! The Cowboy State’s wide-open spaces offer unparalleled opportunities to stargaze and admire the humbling and unimaginable vastness of our own galaxy. In 2024, the Northern Lights in Wyoming are expected to be more visible and spectacular than ever, thanks to the peak of the sun’s activity cycle. If you want to witness this rare and amazing phenomenon, Wyoming is the place to be! Here’s everything you need to know:
If you've always dreamed of witnessing the northern lights for yourself, also known as the aurora borealis, 2024 might just be your year. According to scientists, the sun is expected to reach the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity, known as the solar maximum, sometime between January and October 2024.
Effectively, the North and South poles switch places! This means that the sun will produce more powerful solar flares and coronal mass ejections than usual. CMEs are bursts of charged particles that travel through space and interact with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, creating the dazzling display of shifting colors in the sky that is absolutely jaw-dropping.
The northern lights are usually only visible in high-latitude regions, such as Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and Russia, where the Earth’s magnetic field is weaker and more susceptible to the influence of the solar wind. However, during periods of high solar activity, the aurora can extend to lower latitudes, making it possible to see them in places like Wyoming, where the night sky is dark and clear enough to offer a great view.
Even in a typical year, Wyoming is one of the best states in the continental U.S. to see celestial phenomena and displays, as it has low light pollution, wide open spaces, and stunning natural scenery for incredible professional photography. But the northern lights are unpredictable.
2024 is going to take Wyoming's night skies to a whole new level! There are several locations in Wyoming where you can enjoy the aurora, depending on the weather, the season, and the strength of the solar storm. Here are just a few of the top spots to see the northern lights in Wyoming in 2024:
Cheyenne: The capital city of Wyoming is not too far from the Colorado border, where the aurora can sometimes be seen as well. Cheyenne has a relatively low population density and elevation, which means less light and air pollution to interfere with the view. You can find some dark and quiet spots around the city, such as Curt Gowdy State Park, Vedauwoo Recreation Area, or Pole Mountain, where you can set up your camera and watch the sky.
Cody: The gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Cody is a charming town that offers a lot of attractions and activities for visitors, but it's also a great place to see the northern lights, as it's located in the northern part of Wyoming, closer to the aurora oval (the ring-shaped zone where the aurora is most likely to occur).
We recommend driving to one of Cody's many nearby mountain ranges, such as the Absaroka, Beartooth, or Bighorn Mountains, where you can find a secluded spot with a clear view of the horizon. Or, head into Yellowstone National Park itself for a few nights!
Buffalo is another town that is close to the Aurora Oval. And, situated at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains, skywatchers will also get to enjoy a spectacular backdrop for the northern lights.
Wyoming is also home to a number of other dark sky and prime stargazing areas, like the Red Desert, Devils Tower, Wind River Range, and Medicine Bow National Forest. Take your pick!
But even city dwellers will have opportunities to peep the colors.
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon that is hard to predict, but there are some factors that can increase your chances of seeing them. In general, the best time to see the northern lights is during the winter months, from November to March, when the nights are longer and darker, and the sky is clearer, but 2024 will likely have increased opportunities.
You can also check the aurora forecast online or download an aurora app that shows the current and expected level of geomagnetic activity, as measured by the Kp-index. The higher the Kp-index, the stronger and more widespread the aurora will be!
The Northern Lights are one of the most amazing and beautiful sights in nature, and 2024 is a rare opportunity to see them even more prominently in Wyoming. If you’re planning a family vacation or camping trip this year, make sure to include the Northern Lights in your itinerary, and prepare to be amazed by the spectacular show in the sky! In fact, this secluded ranch is a pretty fantastic spot to kick back and enjoy the show.
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