New Details On Rare Solar Storm Lighting Up Montana Skies

BUTTE, MT - Something electrifying is about to hit Montana’s night sky—and no, it’s not another lightning storm.

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Thanks to an unprecedented geomagnetic storm, the Northern Lights are expected to make a rare and jaw-dropping appearance over much of the northern United States tonight—including right here in Southwest Montana.

That means if you’ve ever wanted to witness an intense showing of the aurora borealis without booking a ticket to Iceland or Alaska, tonight is your chance.

A Solar Punch Strong Enough to Light Up the Lower 48

This event is being triggered by a potent coronal mass ejection (CME) that slammed into Earth’s magnetic field early on June 1.

The resulting geomagnetic activity has been so intense, it’s stirred up global aurora sightings for two nights already—and it's not done yet.

The Kp index, a scale used to measure geomagnetic disturbances (0 to 9), is expected to peak at 6.67, indicating a G3-level geomagnetic storm.

For reference, a Kp of 5 is the threshold for auroras in Northern Montana. At nearly 7? That glow could creep as far south as Oregon, Illinois, and yes—deep into Big Sky Country.

Even NOAA’s aurora forecast map shows the southern edge of the auroral oval reaching into Northern and Southwest Montana. Translation? The sky could erupt in curtains of purple, green, and pink that dance across the stars.

Best Time to Look Up

Experts say the optimal time to catch the show is around 1:00 AM local time, when the sky is darkest and auroras are most active. Still, the glow could begin earlier depending on how quickly the storm intensifies after sunset.

Where to Watch the Northern Lights in Southwest Montana

You’ll want a north-facing, high-elevation vantage point far from city lights. Here are some of the best places in the region to catch this once-in-a-lifetime display:

📍 Pipestone Pass – Butte

Head south of town on MT-2. The elevated view gives you a perfect northern horizon with minimal light pollution. Park safely and bundle up—it can still get chilly!

📍 Maud S Canyon Trailhead – Butte

Hike a short distance above town for a panoramic view that faces directly north. It’s quiet, dark, and elevated—perfect for aurora watching.

📍 Bridger Bowl Parking Lot – Near Bozeman

This is a solid choice if you're near the Gallatin Valley. It sits high in the Bridgers and is far enough from Bozeman’s city glow.

📍 Missouri Headwaters State Park – Three Forks

A wide-open sky and distant mountains make for an unobstructed view of the northern horizon. Great for photography, too.

📍 Hyalite Reservoir Overlook – Bozeman

Drive up into Hyalite Canyon and pull off at one of the many lookouts. Just make sure the skies stay clear—mountain weather can be fickle.

📍 Big Hole Pass – Near Wisdom

If you’re in the Big Hole Valley, this pass offers pristine, elevation-rich skies and barely a trace of light pollution. It’s remote, but that’s the point.

Tips to Make the Most of It

• Bring a tripod and camera. Your phone might catch light your eyes can’t.

• Dress warmly. It may be June, but mountain nights are no joke.

• Use an app. "My Aurora Forecast" or "Space Weather Live" will track the activity in real time.

• Be patient. Auroras can come in waves—what looks like a dud at midnight might blow your mind at 1:30.

A Show You Might Never See Again

The truth is, Southwest Montana only gets auroras this far south once in a blue moon. And this one’s not just a possibility—it’s likely. With strong solar storms continuing into the evening, all signs point to something unforgettable.

So cancel your HBO Max plans, pack a thermos of coffee, and hit the road. The cosmos is clocking in for an overtime shift tonight—and Southwest Montana just got front-row tickets.