Seeing the northern lights – also known as aurora borealis – is something that’s on almost everyone’s bucket list. Most people think that you have to visit somewhere like Alaska, Canada, Iceland, or Scandinavia to see them, but that’s not true. In fact, you have a chance to see them anywhere above the 40th parallel in the winter, and lucky for us, northern Nevada falls within that parameter. Read on to learn more about this incredible natural phenomenon and learn how you can perhaps see the northern lights of 2024 Nevada yourself.

Editor’s note: The following images do not show the northern lights in Nevada but images of the northern lights captured from other locations around the world.

The northern lights are spectacular. Watching colorful light dance in the sky is an experience that you'll never forget.
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This amazing natural phenomenon happens when energized particles from the sun hit the Earth's upper atmosphere at incredibly high speeds. When the Earth's magnetic field redirects the lights to the poles, incredible colors are created.
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Granted, the intensity and appearance of these lights increase the further north you go, but you do have a chance to see them in northern Nevada, and anywhere in the continental United States that lies above the 40th parallel.
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Due to the length of nights during the winter months, you're most likely to see them between October and April.
Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Moment Collection via Getty Images
For the best chances of seeing the northern lights, wait for an evening with no clouds in the forecast. Drive out to a very dark area, and then look to the sky and wait.
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Anywhere north of Elko or Winnemucca are places where you could possibly see them in Nevada.
Be patient. Be sure to bring your camera! This is something that you and I will never want to forget.
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To help you predict the best time to go look for the northern lights of 2024 Nevada, visit the Space Weather Prediction Center’s Aurora Viewline page. It will help you determine the best times to strike out on your mission. Good luck!

Going on a road trip to see the aurora borealis? Don’t forget to pack some snacks!

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