Aurora is visible from Wyoming only during strong geomagnetic storms. In central Wyoming the geomagnetic latitude is about 51°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 5.5 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Sepulcher Mountain) needs about Kp 5.5.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 5.5
geomag. lat 51°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 5.5
Sepulcher Mountain
Kp needed (south)
Kp 7.0
Huston Park Wilderness
Kp needed in Wyoming cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne | 48.7° | Kp 7.0 | 7 |
| Casper | 50.3° | Kp 6.0 | 7 |
| Gillette | 51.8° | Kp 5.5 | 6 |
| Laramie | 48.8° | Kp 7.0 | 6 |
| Rock Springs | 48.7° | Kp 7.0 | 6 |
Approximate Kp for aurora low on the northern horizon (camera-visible). Higher Kp lets it climb higher and show color to the eye.
Dark, northern photo locations in Wyoming
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bunsen Peak Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Park County | 1 |
| Canary Spring (View of Top) | Scenic Viewpoint | Park County | 1 |
| Burgess Road Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Sheridan County | 1 |
| Lookout Point | Scenic Viewpoint | Park County | 1 |
| Madison Range Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Park County | 1 |
| Washburn Hot Springs Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Park County | 1 |
| Buffalo Bill State Park | State Park | Park County | 3 |
| Grand Prismatic Spring | Hot Spring | Teton County | 1 |
| Old Faithful | Hot Spring | Teton County | 1 |
| Castle Geyser | Hot Spring | Teton County | 1 |
| Yellowstone Lake | Lake | Teton County | 1 |
| Beehive Geyser | Hot Spring | Teton County | 1 |
How to photograph the northern lights
- Watch the live Kp forecast above and NOAA's 30-minute aurora forecast; storms often peak between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- Find an unobstructed view to the north — a lake, open field or ridge — away from town lights.
- Start at ISO 1600–3200, f/2.8 or faster, 5–15 seconds; shorter exposures keep fast-moving curtains sharp.
- Your camera sees aurora as green or red long before your eyes do — take test shots whenever Kp is near the threshold.
- Moonlight lights the foreground but washes out faint aurora; strong storms are still worth shooting under a bright moon.
FAQ
Can you see the northern lights in Wyoming?
Yes, only during strong geomagnetic storms. Central Wyoming usually needs about Kp 5.5; the north about Kp 5.5.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 5.5+ for central Wyoming. Kp is a 0–9 scale of geomagnetic activity; each step moves the aurora's southern edge a few degrees of latitude.
Where is the best place to see the aurora in Wyoming?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Bunsen Peak Overlook, Canary Spring (View of Top), Burgess Road Overlook.