Cities Covered
10
Monitoring locations across Midwest
Magnetic Latitude Range
45.8°–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
Fargo
55.2° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Bismarck
54.8° 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
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Best Dark Sky Viewing Locations
Interactive map showing dark sky preserves and Bortle class sites in Midwest. Click markers for details and directions.
Bortle 2
Cherry Springs State Park
East Coast's darkest skies
180mi from pittsburgh150mi from buffalo
Route 44, Potter County PA
Aurora Status by City
Duluth
Lake Superior port city with water-reflected northern lights
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Fargo
Red River city with excellent Great Plains aurora viewing
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Bismarck
North Dakota capital with prairie aurora displays
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
Cedar Rapids
Eastern Iowa city with Mississippi River valley aurora opportunities
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Des Moines
Iowa capital with Midwest prairie aurora viewing during active periods
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Milwaukee
Major city with 590K population
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Best Viewing Season in Midwest
Geographic Advantages
Magnetic Latitude 45.8°–55.5° MLAT
Cities Covered 10 locations
Winter Darkness 16-18 hours
Dark Sky Sites 1 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 Midwest?
Yes, Midwest 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 Midwest?
The darkest locations include Cherry Springs State Park with Bortle class 2–2. These sites offer minimal light pollution for optimal aurora photography.
