Do Northern Lights Ever Appear in Utah?
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Are You Planning A Trip To See The Northern Lights?
Aurora Borealis in Utah – What Are the Odds?
Wondering whether you can witness the aurora borealis in Utah? While the state boasts some of the darkest skies in the Southwest, Utah sits far south of the auroral oval. This means Northern Lights sightings are virtually unheard of. Only during the most powerful solar storms—rare events that occur just once or twice a solar cycle—might faint glows appear on the northern horizon in the state’s most remote areas.
Is Aurora Viewing Possible in Utah?
In practical terms, no—Utah is not a viable destination for seeing the Northern Lights. Even during peak solar activity, success would require:
- A KP index of 7 or higher (indicating a strong geomagnetic storm)
- Exceptionally clear, dry skies
- Being in a dark-sky location in northern Utah, far from light pollution
Cities with the Slimmest Chance
Only a few select locations in northern Utah could possibly experience a faint aurora during an extreme solar event:
- Antelope Island State Park
- Golden Spike National Historical Park
- Dark-sky preserves near the Great Salt Lake and Bear River areas
What About the State’s Major Cities?
Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and other urban areas in Utah are too far south and have too much light pollution to make aurora sightings realistic. Even during severe geomagnetic storms, residents of Utah’s cities are unlikely to witness anything more than a faint glow—if anything at all.
Aurora Forecast (2026–2030)
The following table provides a global forecast for auroral activity based on the Solar Cycle 25 timeline. These are not Utah-specific predictions but reflect general aurora trends worldwide.
| Year | Aurora Activity Forecast | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very High | Peak of Solar Cycle 25. Best chance anywhere in the U.S. to catch auroras—though still unlikely in Utah. |
| 2027 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ Extremely High | Lag year after peak; continued strong storm potential. Minor odds persist. |
| 2028 | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate to High | Fewer events expected. Aurora potential diminishes steadily. |
| 2029 | ⭐⭐ Low to Moderate | Sunspot numbers fall. Rare storms might cause brief displays in far northern U.S. |
| 2030 | ⭐ Low | Near solar minimum. Aurora sightings extremely rare even in aurora-prone areas. |
Prefer a Surefire Aurora Trip? Head North
If seeing the Northern Lights is a priority, you’re far better off traveling north to states like Alaska, Minnesota, or North Dakota. View our full list of top aurora-viewing states here.
Sources: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, NASA, Space.com, Aurora Tracks
Download all three Alaska tour brochures for tour dates and pricing.
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