Aurora Borealis Forecast for Billings

US Aurora Status for Billings

Real-time aurora visibility status based on magnetic activity, weather conditions, moon phase and sky darkness.

Status Levels:
UnlikelyAurora is unlikely to be visible.
Might be VisibleAurora might be visible on the horizon.
Likely VisibleAurora likely visible, possibly overhead.
VisibleAurora visible overhead and very bright.
aurora visibility now
Unlikely

Tonight's Aurora Conditions

Moderate aurora potential at 53.0° magnetic latitude. Northern lights appear during stronger storms when KP reaches 5+. Best chances in winter months.

Good odds Northern Rockies Local time 14:26

KP Threshold & Odds

Kp 9+ minimum

Magnetic latitude: 36.2°

Strong activity helps. Coastlines and higher ground work well.

Tonight's Snapshot

  • Cloud cover: 35%
  • Sky darkness: Daylight
  • Moon illumination: 8%
  • Best window: 17:00 (Unlikely)

Viewing Tips for Billings

  • Face north or north-east with an open horizon.
  • Get 20-40 minutes away from city lights if possible.
  • Coastlines, lakes, and higher ground improve visibility.

What affects visibility

Aurora Zone

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 36.2°

Kp index

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
Storm 6

Cloud Cover Impact

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
⛅ Partly Cloudy

Moonlight

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 8%

Darkness

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
Daylight

Forecast

Time
Kp
Visibility
17.02, Tomorrow
17:00
5.7
Unlikely
18:00
5.7
Unlikely
19:00
5.7
Unlikely
20:00
5.0
Unlikely
21:00
5.0
Unlikely
22:00
5.0
Unlikely
23:00
4.7
Unlikely
02:00
4.0
Unlikely
05:00
3.0
Unlikely
08:00
2.7
Unlikely
11:00
1.7
Unlikely
14:00
2.7
Unlikely
18.02, Wednesday
17:00
2.7
Unlikely
20:00
2.7
Unlikely
23:00
2.7
Unlikely
02:00
2.0
Unlikely
05:00
2.0
Unlikely
08:00
0.7
Unlikely
11:00
2.3
Unlikely
14:00
3.0
Unlikely
19.02, Thursday
17:00
2.7
Unlikely
🎯

See Exactly When to Look Up

3-day precision forecast — know the best hour

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Monthly Trends

This calendar shows likelihood trends based on aurora activity, darkness, aurora zone, moonlight, and historical data. Clouds are excluded due to low predictability. Use it to pick promising nights, then confirm with the 72h forecast closer to date.

MTWTFSS
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Which Nights Are Best?

27-day calendar shows your aurora chances

Past 365 Days
Aurora Nights
Premium
Local threshold
Kp ≥ 9.0
Best Season
Premium

Seasonal Pattern

This calendar shows how often aurora was observed here by week across the year. Colors reflect historical intensity: greener months had more aurora nights, grey had little or none. Use it to plan trips around the strongest months, then confirm exact nights with the 72h forecast.

W1W2W3W4
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
✈️

When Should You Visit?

Historical patterns reveal the best months

Get Alerted Before Aurora Appears

Push alerts 20–90 min before northern lights. 72h forecast, cloud cover, 11 years of historical data.

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Short-term outlook for the next few days
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AuroraMe app showing tonight aurora visibility
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Experience the complete aurora forecast in Billings

Real screenshots from the AuroraMe app showing detailed forecasts for your location.

AuroraMe app showing live aurora on 3D globe
AuroraMe app showing tonight aurora visibility and best viewing time
AuroraMe app smart alerts - Go outside in 60 min notification
AuroraMe app best months calendar for aurora viewing
AuroraMe app best days planner for aurora trip planning
AuroraMe app why tonight screen with Kp index, clouds and darkness
AuroraMe app clear status showing visibility factors

Northern Lights in Billings: Quick Guide

Minimum Kp Needed
8.0+
Viewing Frequency
extremely rare
Current Kp Index
6.0

How often can you see northern lights in Billings?

Based on its magnetic latitude of <strong>36.2°</strong>, aurora viewing in Billings is <strong>extremely rare (visible only during exceptional geomagnetic storms)</strong>. We are currently near solar maximum (2024-2025), so expect higher-than-average activity.

Best viewing season: September to March, with peak activity during equinoxes (September and March).

What Kp index do I need to see aurora in Billings?

For Billings, you need a minimum Kp index of <strong>8.0</strong> for aurora to be visible. This threshold is calculated based on the city's magnetic latitude (36.2°).

Higher Kp values produce brighter, more active displays:

  • Kp 8.0-9.0: Faint aurora visible in dark skies
  • Kp 9.0-10.0: Moderate aurora with dancing patterns
  • Kp 10.0+: Strong, colorful displays visible even with some light pollution

Current Kp index: 6.0

Where should I look for aurora in Billings?

Aurora is rarely visible this far south. When it does appear during extreme storms (Kp 7+), look for a faint glow on the northern horizon.

For best results, seek locations with minimal light pollution and unobstructed views of the sky. From Billings, aurora typically remains closer to the horizon, so elevated viewing locations help.

Can I see northern lights tonight in Billings?

Unlikely: Aurora unlikely tonight with Kp 6.0 (below 8.0 threshold for Billings). Enable alerts to catch future opportunities.

Real-time conditions: 35% cloud cover, aurora probability 0%. Check the live forecast above for the latest updates.

Data sourced from NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center and local US weather stations.

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