Northern lights forecast for your state by ZIP code
Yes, in 7 states. The planetary Kp index is 2.33 as of 2:23 PM EDT, reported by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
as of
What is Kp?
A 0-9 scale called Kp rates the current disturbance of Earth's magnetic field. Its name comes from planetarische Kennziffer, German for planetary index. Thirteen observatories worldwide take the measurements. Higher values mean the aurora reaches further south. Most of the northern US needs a Kp of 5 or higher, while northern Alaska sees it at Kp 0. Full Kp guide.
Enter a ZIP code and the page uses its first three digits to identify your state. If you tap the location button, the page picks the nearest ZIP area instead, and both methods run on your device. The answer is a state-level verdict for tonight and nearby states, with the Kp level required for the aurora to appear on that state's northern horizon. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center supplies the current Kp index and OVATION aurora model behind that verdict.
Can you see the northern lights tonight?
The locator runs entirely in your browser, and your coordinates and ZIP code stay on your device.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center produces the Kp readings and aurora forecasts on this page. As US government works, they are not subject to copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105; this notice is the notice required by 17 U.S.C. 403. Mention of the center does not imply endorsement or affiliation; for attribution, see Data sources and attribution.