The Northern Lights Might Be Visible From Idaho This Year

Viewing the Northern Lights is an item on many individuals’ bucket lists (mine included!). Luckily, I have good news for Idahoans. This year, you won’t have to travel far to marvel at the dancing lights. The northern lights might be visible in Idaho in 2024 and we can’t wait to see them.

Stargazing is one of our favorite activities in the Gem State. There are many destinations perfect for watching star shows like the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, and City of Rocks National Reserve.

But, if you want to take your stargazing to the next level, catching a glimpse of the northern lights is an absolute must.

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, occurs when charged particles slam into the earth’s atmosphere. This collision creates flashes of light that fill the sky with color. The flashes seem to move across the sky, almost as if they are dancing.

This year, thanks to increased solar activity, the northern lights are expected to be even more visible here in Idaho.

It is predicted that everyone above the 40th parallel will have a good chance at least once throughout the year to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

All of Idaho is above the 40th parallel. The 40th parallel runs through Provo, Utah to the south.

Experts believe the best time to view the northern lights is around the March and October equinoxes. However, for the most accurate prediction of when regions of Idaho can view the northern lights, we recommend following the Space Weather Prediction Center.

Of course, to see the northern lights, you’ll want to head outside of the city and we suggest visiting one of the many dark sky parks in Idaho.

We recommend camping (such as at Lava Flow Campground at Craters of the Moon National Monument) or staying in a vacation home away from the city to experience this phenomenon at its fullest.

Make 2024 the year you cross off viewing the northern lights. There is nothing quite like watching the sky dance with color.

Have you seen the northern lights in person? Do you plan to see the northern lights in 2024 in Idaho? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments.