Northern lights in Wyoming: can you see them, and tonight's chances

How strong a storm each city in Wyoming needs

The farther a place is from the magnetic pole, the stronger the geomagnetic storm needed to push the aurora into view. These levels come from each city's geomagnetic latitude and NOAA's storm scale, which says how far south aurora is usually seen at each level. They are for aurora low on the northern horizon from a dark spot; overhead displays need more. Across Wyoming the level ranges from Kp 6.6 (G3) in Sheridan to Kp 7.3 (G3) in Rock Springs.

City	Geomagnetic latitude	Aurora usually needs
Sheridan	52.1°	Kp 6.6 (G3)
Gillette	51.7°	Kp 6.7 (G3)
Casper	50.2°	Kp 7 (G3)
Cheyenne	48.7°	Kp 7.3 (G3)
Rock Springs	48.7°	Kp 7.3 (G3)

How these levels are worked out: our methods.

How often you can see the aurora in Wyoming

Wyoming lies at about the geomagnetic latitude of Oregon and Illinois, NOAA’s examples for strong storms. Those happen on about 130 days per 11-year solar cycle. The north of the state is a little better placed than the south. The table above shows each city’s level against tonight’s NOAA forecast.

Where to watch

Around Jackson Hole: Wyoming Stargazing recommends Antelope Flats for its wide views away from town light, as well as the back side of the National Elk Refuge and the Moose-Wilson Road inside Grand Teton National Park.
Yellowstone National Park: the Park Service featured a photo of the aurora over Yellowstone in its review of 2024.
Sinks Canyon State Park: near Lander, certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2023.

Notable sightings

During the May 10–11, 2024 storm, the strongest in over two decades, NASA’s Earth Observatory showed the aurora in satellite images across parts of Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan.

Tips for Wyoming

Find a gap to the north. Mountain ranges hide much of the low sky. Wide meadows and flats work better than canyons.
Watch the solar wind. Wyoming Stargazing says the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field has the biggest effect on auroras: a field that stays southward (a negative “Bz” on forecast sites) is a good sign.
Expect cold and wind. Winter nights in the high country are harsh.
Mind the moon. Check the moon phase before you drive out.

Local resources

Browse certified dark-sky places and read how to see the northern lights. Neighbors: Montana and Colorado.

Dark-sky places near Cheyenne

Certified dark-sky places are among the best spots to watch for aurora: little light pollution and, often, open views to the north.

Jackson Lake State Park (International Dark Sky Park, 2020): 63 miles SE of Cheyenne.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park (Urban Night Sky Place, 2026): 95 miles S of Cheyenne.

Frisco, Colorado (International Dark Sky Community, 2026): 127 miles SW of Cheyenne.

Town of Breckenridge, Colorado (International Dark Sky Community, 2025): 132 miles SW of Cheyenne.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (International Dark Sky Park, 2021): 155 miles S of Cheyenne.

Questions and answers

Can you see the northern lights in Jackson Hole?

Yes, during stronger storms. Wyoming Stargazing says the town itself is too bright for a good view and suggests Antelope Flats, the back side of the National Elk Refuge or the Moose-Wilson Road.

Can you see the aurora in Yellowstone?

Yes. The National Park Service shared a photo of the aurora over Yellowstone in its 2024 year in review. Check road conditions before you go.

Can the aurora appear in summer in Wyoming?

Yes. The author of Wyoming Stargazing's guide reports seeing it in every month in Jackson Hole. Summer nights are shorter, so your viewing window is smaller.

Northern lights in Wyoming

Tonight's northern lights forecast