WYOMING — Geomagnetic activity is expected to put on a light show in the sky on the night of Monday, July 29, and the action might be visible as far south as Wyoming.
An aurora model by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts the aurora’s “view line” as passing through the Cowboy State, potentially right around Jackson.
The center issued magnetic storm watches for July 29 through 31 following the observation of several coronal mass ejections. A geomagnetic storm could reach level G3 in intensity, considered a “strong” storm, potentially peaking over the next few days.
Jackson might be right on the cusp of visibility. Visitors to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park could have a better vantage point. Even if viewing conditions are perfect, though, it’s difficult to predict the aurora with much certainty.
The aurora borealis (the Latin term for the Northern Lights, named for the Roman goddess of the dawn) is the result of collisions between fast-moving electrons and oxygen and nitrogen gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Those collisions lead to the release of photons, small bursts of light. Learn more about the phenomenon here.
A G4 geomagnetic storm in May led to an incredible Northern Lights display over Jackson.
