A powerful geomagnetic storm illuminated ski resorts across the western United States on Tuesday night, treating night owls to a rare display of the northern lights, or aurora borealis. Vibrant green and pink hues danced above ski resorts from Park City, Utah, to the northern slopes of Montana and Washington, as clear skies and solar activity aligned for an extraordinary celestial show.
The spectacle resulted from a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) launched from the sun, which struck Earth’s magnetic field beginning on November 11. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had issued a G4 (severe) storm watch, forecasting strong geomagnetic activity likely to produce visible auroras across at least 21 U.S. states. The event marked one of the most widespread aurora displays in recent years, with the lights visible far south of their typical range, even brushing states like Colorado, Nebraska, and northern Utah—regions not usually known for aurora sightings.
Ski destinations across the West reported vivid skies late into the night, with best visibility from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. MST. Visitors at these high-elevation locations found themselves in prime viewing zones, as minimal light pollution facilitated clear, unobstructed views. Local meteorologists and space weather experts had encouraged enthusiasts to seek out dark, open areas for the best experience.
The celestial phenomenon was visible thanks to both the strength of the solar storm and favorable atmospheric conditions. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center tracked a peak in geomagnetic activity overnight, noting that auroras were likely to be visible as far south as Wyoming and northern Utah, with sporadic sightings elsewhere depending on local cloud cover.
This week’s aurora activity follows an uptick in sunspot and flare activity as the Sun approaches a peak in its 11-year solar cycle. While the most vivid displays are expected to fade in the following days, NOAA’s extended aurora forecasts suggest that further opportunities for aurora viewing may arise this winter, especially in higher-altitude and northern locales.
Check out some of the stunning photos shared by ski resorts across the country (all photos credit to the individual resorts’ Facebook pages):
