KP Threshold & Odds
Kp 8+ minimum
Magnetic latitude: 48.9°
Needs stronger storms. A darker spot outside town improves odds.
aurora visibility now
Unlikely
Aurora is unlikely in New York right now (0%). Check back when geomagnetic activity increases.
- Status
- Unlikely
- Probability
- 0%
- Kp Index
- 3.7
- Cloud Cover
- 1%
Tonight's Aurora Conditions
Moderate aurora potential at 50.1° magnetic latitude. Northern lights appear during stronger storms when KP reaches 6+. Best chances in winter months.
Occasional Northeast & New England Local time 15:29
Tonight's Snapshot
- Cloud cover: 1%
- Sky darkness: Daylight
- Moon illumination: 29%
- Best window: 02:00 (Unlikely)
Viewing Tips for New York
- 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 New York.
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 48.9°
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
17:00
3.3
Unlikely
18:00
3.3
Unlikely
19:00
3.3
Unlikely
08.09, Tomorrow
20:00
4.3
Unlikely
21:00
4.3
Unlikely
22:00
4.3
Unlikely
23:00
4.3
Unlikely
02:00
4.7
Unlikely
05:00
4.7
Unlikely
08:00
4.7
Unlikely
11:00
4.0
Unlikely
14:00
4.3
Unlikely
17:00
3.3
Unlikely
09.09, Wednesday
20:00
3.7
Unlikely
23:00
4.7
Unlikely
02:00
5.0
Unlikely
05:00
3.7
Unlikely
08:00
3.3
Unlikely
11:00
3.3
Unlikely
14:00
3.0
Unlikely
17:00
2.7
Unlikely
10.09, Thursday
20:00
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 ≥ 8.0
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 New York forecast.
Albany
Located at 52.0° MLAT with decent aurora opportunities. Geomagnetic storms with KP 5+ can produce visible displays. Monitor forecasts for storm alerts.
CURRENT STATUS
Unlikely
View
Syracuse
Moderate position at 52.4° magnetic latitude. Geomagnetic storms can push the auroral oval far enough south to show aurora low on the northern horizon here.
CURRENT STATUS
Check forecast
View
Watertown
Moderate position at 53.3° magnetic latitude. Geomagnetic storms can push the auroral oval far enough south to show aurora low on the northern horizon here.
CURRENT STATUS
Check forecast
View
Planning a trip? Best months across New York →
Learn More About Aurora Viewing
Best Time to See Aurora in New York
Month-by-month clear-night numbers for New York, and where New York 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 New York: Quick Guide
Minimum Kp Needed
8.0+
Current Kp Index
3.7
What Kp index is needed to see aurora in New York?
Use Kp 8+ as a planning threshold for New York, based on its magnetic latitude. Aurora visibility also requires darkness, suitable sky conditions, and current geomagnetic activity.
Where should I look for aurora in New York?
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 New York?
Check the current forecast for New York. A Kp value at or above Kp 8+ 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