JACKSON, Wyo. — Lucky viewers just might glimpse the elusive aurora borealis, otherwise known as the northern lights, in Wyoming skies tonight.
According to the National Weather Service Riverton, the celestial storm will likely be strongest from 6-9 p.m. The Kp-Index, which measures the horizontal distribution of the geomagnetic activity and the activity level of the Northern lights, is forecast at a 6-7 during those hours. The index is measured on a scale from 0-9, so the higher the value, the more likely the lights will be visible at lower latitudes.
As the skies don’t darken until around 7 p.m. these days, NWS says the best time to watch for the northern lights is between 8-10 p.m.
Of course, there’s no guarantee.
“Space weather is fickle and very unpredictable,” a National Weather Service spokesperson said in a video posted today.
To better your odds of seeing the lights, head north and go somewhere where skies are darkest. Allow time for your eyes to adjust. If you want to snap a photo, use a longer exposure and a tripod. Since the lights are more visible at northern latitudes, it might be best to head towards Grand Teton National Park.
If you’re lucky enough to see the lights and capture a photo, share it with us for a chance to be featured on SNAPPED!
