Cities Covered
2
Monitoring locations across North Dakota
Magnetic Latitude Range
54.8°–55.2° MLAT
Prime aurora viewing latitudes
Required Kp Index
Kp 6.0–6.0
Minimum activity for visibility
Kp Requirements by Location
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
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Best Dark Sky Viewing Locations
Interactive map showing dark sky preserves and Bortle class sites in North Dakota. Click markers for details and directions.
Bortle 2
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Badlands with minimal light pollution
130mi from bismarck220mi from fargo
Interstate 94 to Medora
Aurora Status by City
Fargo
Favorable position at 55.2° magnetic latitude for aurora watching. KP 4+ storms bring vivid displays. Dark skies and clear weather maximize visibility.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Bismarck
Located at 54.8° MLAT with decent aurora opportunities. Geomagnetic storms with KP 5+ can produce visible displays. Monitor forecasts for storm alerts.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Best Viewing Season in North Dakota
Geographic Advantages
Magnetic Latitude 54.8°–55.2° MLAT
Cities Covered 2 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 2 cities
Advance Notice 30 minutes
Weather Integration Cloud cover
Predictions Best viewing times
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in North Dakota?
Yes, North Dakota offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Fargo (MLAT 55.2°) can see aurora at Kp 6.0+, while southern locations need Kp 6.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Where are the darkest skies in North Dakota?
The darkest locations include Theodore Roosevelt National Park with Bortle class 2–2. These sites offer minimal light pollution for optimal aurora photography.
