There is no denying that 2020 has been one of the strangest years on record, which has reached not only our homes and communities but our skies as well. From the upcoming Christmas star to meteor showers and more, there has been something to see nearly weekly in the nighttime skies, including this week’s unique opportunity to see the Northern Lights right here in Colorado.

Also known as Polar Lights or the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights are slated to take place over the lower 48 states on December 9th through the 11th, 2020, with Colorado's best chance of seeing them on Friday the 11th. 
Flickr/Brian Whitnall
Thanks to a geomagnetic storm caused by both a massive G3 solar storm and increased magnetic activity, the lower 48 states have a rare chance to experience this jaw-dropping phenomenon, which is typically only enjoyed by Arctic regions like Alaska and Iceland.
Flickr/james sensor
Because of the magnetic activity and solar winds, the Northern Lights can be made up of several different colors, including red, violet, blue, pink, and white. 
Flickr/james sensor

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While northern states (including nearby Wyoming and Nebraska) have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights, northern Colorado is still said to have a chance, especially if skies are clear. 
Flickr/Fiona Paton
Do you want to increase your chances of spotting the lights? Plan to not only head north but to a dark place with little to no light pollution.
Flickr/Martin Eckert
To learn more about this natural occurrence and other upcoming weather rarities (like the previously mentioned Christmas star), please visit the Space Weather Prediction Center's website.
Flickr/Fiona Paton

Who will you be watching the Northern Lights with? Let them know in the comments! For even more to see and do around Colorado this weekend, check out The Garden Christmas Lights Display At Denver Botanic Gardens In Colorado Is Pure Holiday Magic.

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