A Dazzling Night Under the Sky in Story

Last night brought a show in the sky that absolutely stopped people in their tracks. Folks in town pulled their cars up to the parking area at Tunnel Hill, turned their heads upward, and watched in amazement as the northern lights painted the heavens. On Facebook and other social channels, the stream of glowing green-purple waves lit up timelines and comments from excited watchers everywhere.

Why it was so special

• The sky was dark and clear, perfect for a stellar light display away from major city glow.

• Many local residents reported seeing vivid colors and curtains of light dancing above the horizon.

• It wasn’t just casual gazing: people parked, set down their gear, and stayed for the show.

The sense of community was strong, neighbors calling each other, pointing to the sky, sharing photos.

What’s behind the show?

It’s not just luck that brought the northern lights this far south. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its Space Weather Prediction Center, the aurora-oval is shifting and expanding thanks to heightened solar activity. Their “Aurora Viewline for Tonight and Tomorrow Night” product shows that locations like Wyoming are well within range of aurora visibility given the right conditions. NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center+2SoftServe News+2

Another local Wyoming news outlet noted that a strong coronal mass ejection (a big burst of solar material) has the potential to push auroras down into northern Wyoming and beyond. Buckrail - Jackson Hole, news

Missed it? You’re still in luck

If you weren’t out last night, don’t worry the conditions suggest you might catch another show tonight. Here’s what to do:

• Head out after dark to somewhere with low light pollution (Tunnel Hill parking area remains a top local spot).

• Face north or north-northeast, and give your eyes a few minutes to adjust to the darkness.

• Check the sky between roughly 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., though earlier or later could still work depending on solar activity.

  
  

Use your phone or camera in night-mode if you want photos, many sites (such as Tom’s Guide) share tips on how to capture it even with a smartphone. Tom's Guide

Quick tips for tonight’s viewing

• Dress warm! Even in our mountain town, nighttime temps drop quickly and you’ll want to stay comfortable while you wait.

• Bring a blanket or camp chair so you can lean back and enjoy the show instead of standing the whole time.

• Keep your phone on silent (or vibrate) so you won’t miss any sudden bursts of light while you’re fiddling with the screen.

• Share your shots! Tag them with #StoryWY or #NorthernLights so our community can see what you captured.

  
  
  
  

Final word

Last night was a gift, a rare moment where the cosmos turned our skies into a live theatre of color and light. And tonight? We may just get a return performance. So if you’re ready to experience wonder, head out when the lights are low and the stars are high. Grab a friend, bring a hot drink, and let the sky remind you just how big-and beautiful-this world is.

See you under the stars, Story. Let’s make tonight another one for the memory book.