Cities Covered
4
Monitoring locations across Arizona
Magnetic Latitude Range
39.1°–42.2° MLAT
Prime aurora viewing latitudes
Required Kp Index
Kp 9.0–9.0
Minimum activity for visibility
Kp Requirements by Location
Flagstaff
42.2° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Mesa
40.5° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Phoenix
40.4° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Tucson
39.1° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Aurora Status by City
Flagstaff
Rare aurora viewing at 42.2° magnetic latitude. Only major geomagnetic storms (KP 9+) bring northern lights this far south. Worth monitoring during solar maximum.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Mesa
Aurora events are rare at 40.5° magnetic latitude but spectacular when they occur. Major solar storms with KP 9+ can bring the display south.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Phoenix
At 40.4° MLAT, aurora is an uncommon treat. Severe geomagnetic storms can occasionally push northern lights to this latitude. Set alerts for KP 9+ events.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Tucson
Aurora events are rare at 39.1° magnetic latitude but spectacular when they occur. Major solar storms with KP 9+ can bring the display south.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Best Viewing Season in Arizona
Geographic Advantages
Magnetic Latitude 39.1°–42.2° MLAT
Cities Covered 4 locations
Winter Darkness 16-18 hours
Dark Sky Sites 0 Bortle 1-3
Peak Aurora Months
Primary Peak September–October
Secondary Peak March–April
Equinox Boost +35% activity
Photography Winter darkness
Track with AuroraMe
Coverage All 4 cities
Advance Notice 30 minutes
Weather Integration Cloud cover
Predictions Best viewing times
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Flagstaff (MLAT 42.2°) can see aurora at Kp 9.0+, while southern locations need Kp 9.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Where are the darkest skies in Arizona?
Check our city pages for specific dark sky recommendations near each location.
