Can you see the Northern Lights in Colorado Springs?

If you’ve ever dreamt of witnessing the beautiful aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, dancing brilliantly across the night sky, you might be wondering if it’s possible to see them in Colorado Springs.

Located in the southern part of Colorado State at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is far from the Arctic Circle where one would typically expect to see the Northern Lights. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the city is entirely devoid of the brilliant light show. In this blog post, we will explore the possibility of watching the Northern Lights in Colorado Springs, factors that affect the visibility, and the best time and places to witness them.

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions create beautiful lights that can be seen in the polar regions.

The colors of the aurora borealis depend on the type of particles that collide with the atmosphere. The most common colors of the Northern Lights are green and pink, and occasionally, the colors red, blue, and purple may appear as well.

Factors Affecting the Visibility of the Northern Lights in Colorado Springs

The visibility of the Northern Lights in Colorado Springs depends on several factors. One of the most crucial factors is the location’s latitude. The Northern Lights are most commonly visible within the Arctic and Antarctic circles, which are located at latitudes of 66 to 69 degrees. Colorado Springs, on the other hand, is located at a latitude of approximately 38 degrees, which means that it’s relatively far away from the latitude where the Northern Lights are commonly visible.

Another significant factor affecting visibility is the solar activity. When the sun is particularly active, the aurora borealis is usually stronger, and the lights can be seen farther away from the poles. Conversely, when the sun is less active, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Colorado Springs are significantly lower.

Lastly, light pollution can also affect the visibility of the Northern Lights. Viewing the lights requires a dark sky, free from artificial light sources such as street lights or illuminated buildings. Due to Colorado Springs’ urbanization, it can be challenging to find a dark enough location to see the lights in their full glory.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Colorado Springs

While the Northern Lights are primarily visible in the winter months in regions close to the Arctic Circle, it’s still possible to see them in Colorado Springs during the winter months when solar activity is high. The best time to see the lights is during the equinox when the Earth’s magnetic field is more likely to interact with the effects of solar wind.

The equinox occurs twice a year, around March 20 and September 22. During this time, the angle between the sun and the Earth causes a crack to open on the Earth’s magnetic field, allowing solar particles to enter our atmosphere and causing the Northern Lights to appear.

The Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Colorado Springs

To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Colorado Springs, heading out to a location with minimal light pollution is your best bet. Some of the most popular locations include:

1. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Located a few hours south of Colorado Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park is an excellent spot for stargazing and watching the Northern Lights. The park’s vast and remote landscape means there is minimal light pollution, making it a great location to watch the lights.

2. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

An hour’s drive west of Colorado Springs, the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent location for stargazing and watching the Northern Lights.

3. Mueller State Park

Located an hour’s drive southwest of Colorado Springs, Mueller State Park is another excellent spot for stargazing and watching the Northern Lights. With its high elevation and minimal light pollution, it’s a perfect spot for witnessing the beautiful light show.

Conclusion

While Colorado Springs is relatively far from the latitude where the Northern Lights are commonly visible, it’s still possible to witness the beautiful aurora borealis during the winter months when solar activity is high. Remember to choose locations with minimal light pollution, such as Great Sand Dunes National Park, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, or Mueller State Park. Regardless of whether you can see the Northern Lights or not, heading out to a dark sky location is still a magical experience, and you might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive aurora borealis.