Cities Covered
10
Monitoring locations across Great Lakes
Magnetic Latitude Range
41.8°–55.5° MLAT
Prime aurora viewing latitudes
Required Kp Index
Kp 6.0–9.0
Minimum activity for visibility
Kp Requirements by Location
Duluth
55.5° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Minneapolis
53.6° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Green Bay
53.5° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Madison
52.0° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Detroit
51.5° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Chicago
50.9° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 8.0+ Horizon
Kp 9.0+ Optimal
Kp 10.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Aurora Status by City
Duluth
Lake Superior port city with water-reflected northern lights
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Minneapolis
Twin Cities aurora viewing when geomagnetic storms reach lower latitudes
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Green Bay
Wisconsin city with Great Lakes aurora viewing opportunities
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Madison
Wisconsin capital with lakes and aurora viewing during strong storms
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Detroit
Motor City with northern lights potential during major aurora events
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Chicago
Windy City where rare aurora sightings occur during extreme solar storms
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Milwaukee
Major city with 590K population
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Cleveland
Major city with 380K population
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Indianapolis
Major city with 880K population
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Columbus
Major city with 905K population
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Best Viewing Season in Great Lakes
Geographic Advantages
Magnetic Latitude 41.8°–55.5° MLAT
Cities Covered 10 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 10 cities
Advance Notice 30 minutes
Weather Integration Cloud cover
Predictions Best viewing times
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in Great Lakes?
Yes, Great Lakes region offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Duluth (MLAT 55.5°) can see aurora at Kp 6.0+, while southern locations need Kp 9.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Where are the darkest skies in Great Lakes?
Check our city pages for specific dark sky recommendations near each location.
