Higher magnetic latitude = better aurora visibility. Your location’s magnetic latitude determines how often auroras appear overhead.

Status Levels:

PerfectAbove 62.0° - Excellent aurora visibility (daily activity)

Good56.0° - 62.0° - Good aurora visibility (regular storms)

Acceptable50.0° - 56.0° - Fair aurora visibility (strong storms only)

LowBelow 50.0° - Poor aurora visibility (extreme storms)

Aurora Zone

Low 39.8°

Kp measures global magnetic disturbance. Higher Kp = stronger auroras visible at lower latitudes.

Status Levels:

StormKp 6-9 - Geomagnetic storm, strong auroras

GoodKp 3-6 - Moderate activity, good conditions

LowKp 1-3 - Low activity, weak auroras

Very QuietKp 0-1 - Very quiet, minimal auroras

Kp index

Good 3

Clear skies are essential for aurora viewing. Clouds block your view of the northern lights. The percentage shows cloud coverage (0% = clear skies, 100% = overcast).

Status Levels:

ClearClear (0-25%) - Perfect for aurora viewing

Partly CloudyPartly Cloudy (26-50%) - May partially block view

CloudyCloudy (51-85%) - Significantly blocks aurora

OvercastOvercast (85%+) - Blocks aurora completely

Cloud Cover Impact

☁️ Overcast

Bright moonlight can wash out faint auroras. New moon provides the darkest skies for optimal viewing.

Status Levels:

New MoonDarkest skies - Best for faint auroras

CrescentDim moonlight - Good for viewing

QuarterModerate moonlight - May wash out weak auroras

GibbousBright moonlight - Reduces aurora visibility

Full MoonVery bright - Only strong auroras visible

Moonlight

🌒 Crescent 18%

Darker skies are essential for aurora viewing. The sun must be below the horizon for auroras to be visible.

Status Levels:

NightDarkest conditions - Optimal for auroras

Astronomical TwilightDark enough - Good aurora viewing

Nautical TwilightGetting darker - Weak auroras may appear

DaylightSun is above horizon - No aurora visible

Darkness

Astronomical Twilight