Want to view the northern lights, Boise? Here are best spots, but you may need to travel

The strongest geomagnetic storm in nearly 20 years began slamming into Earth on Friday, and as nightfall approaches in Idaho, there’s a good chance the Gem State’s sky could be alight with the aurora borealis — the northern lights.

As nightfall fell upon Europe Friday, images were already surfacing on social media of towns and countries on mainland Europe, such as Austria and Italy, being alight with bright pink spires rising high above the horizon.

Astronomers don’t know whether Boise will be treated to a similar spectacle until nightfall arrives, but forecasts from the Space Weather Prediction Center show that the aurora will likely be visible as far south as the Idaho-Nevada state line. Some other forecasts indicate the aurora will be visible on the horizon as far south as Texas and Florida.

But one thing is for sure: Idaho’s night skies will be mostly clear Friday, according to the National Weather Service, lending to perfect viewing conditions once the sun sets at 8:58 p.m. On Saturday, another significant solar storm also was forecast for the evening to see the northern lights.

What’s unclear is how strong the northern lights will be in North America, which will determine where you’ll be able to view the rare event.

Here’s what to know about viewing the aurora borealis.

Viewing the northern lights in Idaho

Like most nighttime celestial events, the first order of business is to get away from light pollution.

The website Light Pollution Map shows the best spots to escape such pollution. Most of the Treasure Valley is a no-go zone, meaning you’ll have to either head south toward the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, southeast toward Mountain Home, or north into the mountains.

But that’s where it becomes trickier.

Weather Service lead meteorologist Dave Groenert recommends heading toward Bogus Basin if you want to ensure you see the lights. Watching from Bogus should ensure that even if the northern lights aren’t as strong as expected, you should still be able to see them on the horizon.

If the aurora borealis is viewable only on the horizon, it’s unlikely that anyone south of the Boise Mountains can watch it. But if they are strong enough to rise above the horizon, the City of Trees could be in for a treat.

“If it’s strong enough, it can arc up above the horizon and be high enough for it to creep over the Foothills or the mountains,” Groenert said.

That opens up more opportunities for people to view the lights without driving into the wilderness late at night. Some possible locations include:

• Camel’s Back Park: The top of the hill at Camel’s Back in the North End allows you to put the light pollution behind you and look out toward the Boise Mountains.

• Dedication Point: Pull-off area near Celebration Park south of Boise with zero light pollution.