Cities Covered
4
Monitoring locations across Colorado
Magnetic Latitude Range
46.5°–48.3° MLAT
Prime aurora viewing latitudes
Required Kp Index
Kp 8.0–9.0
Minimum activity for visibility
Kp Requirements by Location
Fort Collins
48.3° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 8.0+ Horizon
Kp 9.0+ Optimal
Kp 10.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Boulder
47.7° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Denver
47.4° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Colorado Springs
46.5° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 9.0+ Horizon
Kp 10.0+ Optimal
Kp 11.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Aurora Status by City
Fort Collins
Aurora reaches Fort Collins during strong storms at 48.3° magnetic latitude. Monitor for KP 7+ events that push the auroral oval southward.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Boulder
Aurora reaches Boulder during strong storms at 47.7° magnetic latitude. Monitor for KP 7+ events that push the auroral oval southward.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Denver
Aurora reaches Denver during strong storms at 47.4° magnetic latitude. Monitor for KP 7+ events that push the auroral oval southward.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Colorado Springs
Aurora reaches Colorado Springs during strong storms at 46.5° magnetic latitude. Monitor for KP 8+ events that push the auroral oval southward.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Best Viewing Season in Colorado
Geographic Advantages
Magnetic Latitude 46.5°–48.3° 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 Colorado?
Yes, Colorado offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Fort Collins (MLAT 48.3°) can see aurora at Kp 8.0+, while southern locations need Kp 9.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Where are the darkest skies in Colorado?
Check our city pages for specific dark sky recommendations near each location.
