Have you ever wanted to see the northern lights? This natural phenomenon is on the bucket lists of almost everyone. You might think that you need to travel to a far northern country to state to catch a glimpse of them, but that's not necessarily true! You can actually see the aurora borealis from anywhere north of the 40th parallel, and that latitude line cuts right through Colorado. If you head north to a dark place, you may be able to see them. Read on to learn more about the northern lights Colorado 2024!

The northern lights - also known as the aurora borealis - are an incredible sight to see.

This natural wonder is created when particles from the sun hit the Earth's upper atmosphere at extremely high speeds. The Earth's magnetic field redirects these particles to the poles, and amazing moving colors in the sky are created.

When people talk about seeing the aurora borealis, most think interested individuals have to go to Canada, Scandinavia, Iceland, or Alaska to see them.

However, these lights are sometimes viewable from some of the northernmost states in the Lower 48 as well. People often report seeing them in the Dakotas, Maine, Vermont, Montana, and other northern states.

But truly, it's possible to see them anywhere north of the 40th latitude line. This line cuts right through Colorado. About a third of our state is above it.

So, if you want to see the northern lights without going too far from home, wait for a clear night and then head into a dark place in northern Colorado.

Keep your eye on the sky! You never know when you'll see them.

Due to longer nights during the winter months, your best chances to see them are between October and April.

Bring a camera, too! You'll want to remember the night you see the aurora borealis forever.

You may be able to check this bucket list item off your list this year! Plan a visit to northern Colorado on a clear night and keep looking up. You never know for sure when they'll pop up, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration runs a webpage that may help you know when they're more likely in Colorado. Good luck!

Looking for a place to stay in northern Colorado during your northern lights mission? Check out Booking.com for great deals!