KP Threshold & Odds
Kp 9+ minimum
Magnetic latitude: 47.6°
Strong activity helps. Coastlines and higher ground work well.
aurora visibility now
Unlikely
Aurora is unlikely in Medford right now (0%). Check back when geomagnetic activity increases.
- Status
- Unlikely
- Probability
- 0%
- Kp Index
- 3.7
- Cloud Cover
- 0%
Tonight's Aurora Conditions
Aurora reaches Medford during strong storms at 47.8° magnetic latitude. Monitor for KP 7+ events that push the auroral oval southward.
Good odds Pacific Northwest Local time 12:29
Tonight's Snapshot
- Cloud cover: 0%
- Sky darkness: Daylight
- Moon illumination: 29%
- Best window: 23:00 (Unlikely)
Viewing Tips for Medford
- 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.
Nearby Alternatives
Higher odds to the north of Medford.
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 47.6°
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
Good 3.7
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
☀️ Clear
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 29%
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
07.09, Today
14:00
3.3
Unlikely
15:00
3.3
Unlikely
16:00
3.3
Unlikely
08.09, Tomorrow
17:00
4.3
Unlikely
18:00
4.3
Unlikely
19:00
4.3
Unlikely
20:00
4.3
Unlikely
23:00
4.7
Unlikely
02:00
4.7
Unlikely
05:00
4.7
Unlikely
08:00
4.0
Unlikely
11:00
4.3
Unlikely
14:00
3.3
Unlikely
09.09, Wednesday
17:00
3.7
Unlikely
20:00
4.7
Unlikely
23:00
5.0
Unlikely
02:00
3.7
Unlikely
05:00
3.3
Unlikely
08:00
3.3
Unlikely
11:00
3.0
Unlikely
14:00
2.7
Unlikely
10.09, Thursday
17:00
3.0
Unlikely
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.
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.
Get Alerted Before Aurora Appears
Aurora alerts, cloud cover, and forecast context for your location. Check current conditions before viewing.
Smart Alerts before spikes
Short-term outlook for the next few days
Multiple locations
Trip planner: month, year
Alternative viewing locations
Compare a few locations with higher magnetic latitude, or search the full US directory.
Browse all US locations or see the Oregon forecast.
Eugene
Occasional aurora viewing at 49.5° magnetic latitude. Strong geomagnetic storms (KP 7+) can push northern lights south to this location.
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
Bend
Located at 49.8° MLAT, aurora requires significant storm activity. KP 7+ events several times per year bring northern lights within view.
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
Portland
Located at 51.0° MLAT with decent aurora opportunities. Geomagnetic storms with KP 6+ can produce visible displays. Monitor forecasts for storm alerts.
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
Planning a trip? Best months across Oregon →
Learn More About Aurora Viewing
Best Time to See Aurora in Oregon
Month-by-month clear-night numbers for Oregon, and where Medford sits among them.
How Aurora Forecast USA WorksOur data sources, 5-factor algorithm, and update frequency explained.
Aurora Borealis ForecastLive aurora forecast overview for the entire United States.
Dark-Sky SitesTracked dark-sky locations by state, with Bortle class and drive distance.
Northern Lights in Medford: Quick Guide
Minimum Kp Needed
9.0+
Current Kp Index
3.7
What Kp index is needed to see aurora in Medford?
Use Kp 9+ as a planning threshold for Medford, based on its magnetic latitude. Aurora visibility also requires darkness, suitable sky conditions, and current geomagnetic activity.
Where should I look for aurora in Medford?
Choose a dark location with an unobstructed view of the northern horizon. Check current local conditions before travelling, because clouds and light pollution can prevent viewing.
Can I see aurora tonight in Medford?
Check the current forecast for Medford. A Kp value at or above Kp 9+ is only one condition; darkness and local cloud cover also affect whether aurora can be seen.
Traveling? Track multiple locations easily
Compare aurora chances across cities and get alerts for all your planned destinations.
For brighter shows consider Fairbanks