Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and wondered what mystical forces were at play to create the dazzling display of lights dancing overhead? In Utah, you have a chance to witness one of nature's most spectacular shows by chasing the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis, as they're formally known, are the result of electrically charged particles from the Sun entering the Earth's atmosphere. Under the right conditions, the night sky comes alive with vibrant colors shimmering and swirling. While the Northern Lights are often associated more with places like Alaska, Norway or Iceland, Utah's remoteness and darker skies mean sightings are possible if you know where and when to look. This guide will give you the inside scoop on the best spots and times to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis in the Beehive State. Pack your warmest clothes, grab your camera and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the Utah wilderness under a sky lit up by the Northern Lights.
Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.
Designed For Beginners
Designed For Beginners
The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Utah
If chasing the Aurora Borealis is on your bucket list, Utah's night skies and natural beauty make it an ideal destination. The key is knowing the optimal times to spot this celestial wonder.
Your best chances are between 10 pm and 3 am, especially around midnight. The later and darker the night, the more visible the lights typically are. For the strongest solar storms that produce the brightest auroras, check the forecasts to see predictions for the next 3 or 27 days.
Before going out for your first Aurora hunt it's a smart move to take Ultimate Northern Lights Online Course where you will learn all you need to know to successfully hunt for the Northern Lights. This course is designed for beginners so you don't need to worry about not knowing much yet.
The Auroras are often most active around the equinoxes in March and September. During summer, the nights are shorter but you can still see the lights, but from September through March, you'll have the most opportunities with longer, darker nights.
Chilly, clear nights are perfect since there's less light pollution to obscure your view. Bundle up, bring a thermos of hot cocoa or cider, a flashlight with a red light to preserve your night vision, a camera, tripod, and patience. The lights may appear for just a few minutes at a time, so be ready!
For the best views, head to dark sky parks like Antelope Island State Park, Goblin Valley State Park or Capitol Reef National Park. Their remote, wide open spaces free of light pollution offer ideal conditions for spotting the Northern Lights in Utah.
With stunning red rock vistas and the chance of a lifetime to witness the Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky, a night of Auroras hunting in Utah could create memories to last forever!
All-in-one tool for Aurora hunting. Try the new experience.
If you want to see the Northern Lights dancing across Utah's night sky, the first thing you need to know is the Aurora forecast. The Geophysical Institute monitors solar activity and issues alerts when the chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis are highest.
The more storms, the more opportunities to spot the lights. You'll also want to check the Kp index, which measures disturbance to the Earth's magnetic field. A Kp of 7 or higher means the Aurora may be visible in northern Utah.
The best views are from dark, secluded locations away from city lights. Some of the top spots are Fishlake National Forest, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park. You'll have the best luck between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is darkest. Summer nights also offer long hours of darkness, so don't rule it out during the warmer months.
A few other tips: dress warmly, bring a flashlight with a red light to preserve your night vision, and be patient. The lights are unpredictable, so give your eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Sometimes they'll start as a faint glow and intensify into shimmering, dancing lights. Other times they remain a subtle flicker. But when the Northern Lights do ignite the sky, the experience is unforgettable.
With the right conditions and a little luck, you can witness one of nature's most spectacular phenomena lighting up the Utah night. The thrill of the chase and the reward of the catch make aurora hunting a must for any stargazer's bucket list.
Utah’s sparse population and expansive, unpolluted skies make it an ideal location for viewing the Northern Lights. Here are some of the best spots to try your luck at Aurora hunting:
1. Mirror Lake Highway
This alpine byway slices through the Uinta Mountains, far from city lights. Pull off at one of the many scenic turnouts to watch for the Lights dancing overhead. For the best views, drive up around 11 pm and find an open area away from the road.
2. Antelope Island State Park
This scenic island in the Great Salt Lake has dark night skies and secluded beaches perfect for aurora viewing. The park is open 24 hours for astronomy programs and night sky viewing. Camp overnight for the best chance of spotting an epic display.
All-in-one tool for Aurora hunting. Try the new experience.
3.Goblin Valley State Park
The eerie sandstone formations of Goblin Valley are otherworldly enough by day, but at night, this certified Dark Sky Park comes alive under a canopy of stars. Its remote location, lack of development, and limited light pollution make it an ideal spot for potential Northern Lights sightings and stargazing.
4. Fishlake National Forest
The thick forests and 9,000-foot elevation of Fishlake National Forest block ambient light from nearby towns and cities. Find an opening in the trees, set up camp, and watch the night sky for signs of solar activity. Some of the most vibrant auroras have been spotted in this southern section of the Wasatch Plateau.
5. Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Straddling the Utah-Wyoming border, the 91-mile Flaming Gorge Reservoir is surrounded by the Uinta Mountains and Ashley National Forest. This rugged canyon country, with its red sandstone cliffs and pinyon-juniper woodlands, offers pitch-black night skies ideal for spotting the Northern Lights or meteor showers.
The best time to spot the Lights in Utah is around the equinoxes in March and September when solar activity is highest. While summer nights may be warm and pleasant, longer daylight hours reduce visibility. Be sure to check the Aurora forecast for predicted geomagnetic storm activity before heading out. With the right conditions and a little luck, Utah’s night skies may reward you with a celestial spectacle.
To see the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky in Utah, you’ll need to equip yourself properly. The right gear can help ensure your aurora hunting adventure is enjoyable and successful.
A Camera
Bring a camera that can handle long exposure nighttime photography, like a DSLR or mirrorless camera. A tripod is essential for stabilizing your camera during multi-second exposures. Use a wide-angle lens to capture as much of the sky as possible. Increase your ISO and open up your aperture as wide as possible. Experiment with exposure times of 3 to 30 seconds.
Warm Clothes
Utah’s nighttime temperatures, especially in the mountains, can drop well below freezing, even in summer. Dress in insulated layers, including thermal undergarments, sweaters, jackets, hats, gloves, and thick socks. Don’t forget boots, as you may be walking or standing on snow. Hand warmers can be helpful too.
A Flashlight
A flashlight or headlamp with a red light is best, so you don’t ruin your night vision. The redder the light, the less it will affect your ability to see the lights in the sky. Use the flashlight only when needed to check your camera settings or navigate to a viewing spot.
Snacks and Hot Drinks
Spending hours outside at night can be tiring. Bring high-energy, non-perishable snacks like nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit. A thermos of hot coffee, tea or cocoa can warm you from the inside out.
Aurora Forecast Apps
Download Aurora forecasting app to monitor solar activity and get alerts when the Northern Lights are likely visible. The recommended app is Lumyros. This app analyze data from space weather monitoring stations to determine the probability of visible Auroras for your location.
Equipped with the right gear and knowledge, you'll be ready to venture out under the stars for an unforgettable light show. Don't forget your sense of adventure and patience - the rewards of seeing the Northern Lights shimmering and dancing across the sky will make the effort worthwhile!
When the Northern Lights start dancing across the night sky in Utah, you’ll want to capture the magic. Here are some tips to help you photograph this celestial wonder:
Use a tripod
Since the Northern Lights often appear in low light conditions, using a tripod is essential for stabilizing your camera and getting a clear shot. Turn off any image stabilization on your lens for the best results.
Use a wide angle lens
A wide angle lens, like a 14mm or 20mm, will allow you to capture the broad, sweeping arcs of the Aurora. Wide angle lenses also typically have an aperture of f/2.8 or lower, which is ideal for night sky photography.
Shoot in manual mode
Switch your camera to manual mode so you can control the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Start with an aperture of f/2.8 or f/4, an ISO of 800 to 3200, and a shutter speed of 5 to 20 seconds. Adjust the settings based on the intensity of the lights and your results.
Focus on the infinity mark
Since the Northern Lights are at a far distance, focus your lens on the infinity mark. This will ensure the Aurora is sharp and clear in your photos.
Experiment with different exposures
Don’t be afraid to take multiple shots with different exposure times. Sometimes shorter exposures around 5 to 10 seconds work well for very active, quickly moving Aurora displays. Longer 15 to 30 second exposures can capture more detail and color in fainter lights.
Our step-by-step lessons will teach you how to take easily photos of the Northern Lights without any struggle.
Consider using a remote shutter release
A remote shutter release, like a cable release or wireless trigger, will allow you to open the shutter without touching the camera. This avoids any shake or vibration that could blur your long exposure image.
With some practice and patience, you'll be capturing stunning photographs of the Northern Lights dancing and shimmering over the Utah night sky. Let your creativity shine through and enjoy this opportunity to photograph one of nature's most spectacular shows.
Well there you have it, everything you need to know about chasing the Northern Lights in Utah. With the right conditions, timing, and location, you'll be well on your way to witnessing one of nature's most spectacular shows. So pack up your warm clothes, grab your camera, check the latest Aurora forecasts and get outside under those dark Utah skies. You never know, you might just catch the celestial performance of a lifetime. The beauty of the Northern Lights is fleeting but the memories you make while watching them will last forever. Happy hunting and good luck!
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