Aurora Forecast
Enter your town and get tonight's chance of catching the northern lights, based on the live NOAA Kp forecast, your geomagnetic latitude, and the cloud cover over your sky.
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What is the Kp index?
The Kp index is a 0-9 scale that measures global geomagnetic activity. The higher the Kp value, the further south (or north in the Southern Hemisphere) the aurora can be seen. A Kp of 0-2 means the lights stay near the poles, while Kp 7-9 pushes them toward mid-latitudes.
What Kp do I need to see the aurora from my location?
It depends on your geomagnetic latitude. Above roughly 60 degrees you only need a Kp around 3. Between 55 and 60 degrees you usually need Kp 5 or more. Between 50 and 55 degrees a Kp of 6-7 is required, and below 50 degrees you typically need a rare Kp 8+ storm.
Why does cloud cover matter so much?
Aurora happens about 100 km up, so any clouds between you and the sky block the view completely. Even a strong geomagnetic storm is invisible under an overcast sky. This tool factors in the forecast cloud cover for the coming night.
When is the best time to look for the aurora?
Aurora is usually most active between about 22:00 and 02:00 local time, when your location is on the night side of Earth facing away from the Sun. You also need true darkness, so avoid the bright summer months at high latitudes and let your eyes adapt for 15-20 minutes.
Which direction should I look?
In the Northern Hemisphere, look toward the northern horizon. In a strong storm the aurora can spread overhead and even to the south, but the glow first appears low in the north. Find a spot with a clear, dark horizon away from city light pollution.