Can you see the northern lights tonight?
Worked out for where you are from NOAA’s live forecast. When the odds are good, tap Look toward the aurora and your phone will point you the right way.
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Working out your sky…
How to read the forecast
The Kp index runs from 0 to 9 and measures how disturbed Earth’s magnetic field is. Around Kp 3 the aurora usually stays near the Arctic. At Kp 5 it can reach the northern edge of the US, and storms of Kp 7 or more can push it much farther south.
Tips for seeing it
- Get away from city lights and find a clear view low toward the north, or the south in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Take a photo with your phone. Night mode often shows the color before your eyes can.
- Activity comes and goes in bursts, so keep checking for an hour or two.
Where the forecast comes from
The data comes from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center and updates every few hours. The level you need is a rough estimate based on your distance from Earth’s magnetic pole, so treat it as a guide rather than a promise.
Questions
What Kp do I need to see the aurora?
It depends on how far you are from the magnetic pole. The box above shows the level for your location.
What’s the difference between aurora borealis and aurora australis?
Aurora borealis is the northern lights and aurora australis the southern lights. They’re the same glow, caused by particles from the Sun hitting the upper atmosphere.