Amazing Northern Lights Photos From Colorado’s Grand Valley

Many of us had already gone to bed when the skies over Western Colorado turned neon pink, green, and purple this week, so if you missed it, you are not alone.

Skywatchers say it was the most vivid display of the northern lights over the Grand Valley in years. Scroll through the gallery below to see some of the best auroras from Grand Junction to Montrose.

A Brief History of Auroras in Colorado

Colorado isn’t usually the first location people think of when picturing the aurora borealis in the sky. Occasionally, a strong geomagnetic storm will push the lights far enough south for some to see here in the Centennial State, usually at the highest elevations, according to the Longmont Leader.

Just over the last couple of years, the Northern Lights have appeared more frequently in Colorado than they used to. BlackCanyonAstronomy.com notes that charged particles from coronal mass ejections triggered auroras in May and October 2024. However, CBS reports many in the state say the most recent display was the most intense and far-reaching than anything in recent memory.

Why the Northern Lights Flared Up This Week

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Coronal Mass Ejections, or CMEs, are bursts of solar particles released from the sun that slam into the Earth’s magnetic field. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center says these CMEs trigger G4 (severe) geomagnetic storms, which contain particles that collide with gases high in the atmosphere. This is what creates the glowing colors that lit up our skies last week, with energized oxygen and nitrogen. NASA states that the more intense the storm, the further auroras can travel to lower latitudes.

Could Solar Storms Be Dangerous for Colorado?

When a G4 geomagnetic storm gets this strong, it can raise concerns. G4-level activity can interfere with satellites, high-frequency radios, and even disruptions to power grids. While the colors are incredible, they are not without consequences. Data Transmission Network says that in Colorado, it’s not uncommon for GPS glitches to be experienced by those viewing the Northern Lights from the highest elevations.

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