Cities Covered
4
Monitoring locations across New England
Magnetic Latitude Range
51.7°–54.1° MLAT
Prime aurora viewing latitudes
Required Kp Index
Kp 6.0–7.0
Minimum activity for visibility
Kp Requirements by Location
Bangor
54.1° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Burlington
53.8° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Concord
52.6° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Boston
51.7° 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 New England. Click markers for details and directions.
Bortle 2
Mount Washington
Highest peak in Northeast, above clouds
170mi from boston95mi from portland
Mount Washington Auto Road, seasonal
Bortle 2
Northeast Kingdom
Vermont's darkest region
100mi from burlington220mi from boston
Interstate 91 to rural roads
Aurora Status by City
Bangor
Moderate aurora potential at 54.1° magnetic latitude. Northern lights appear during stronger storms when KP reaches 5+. Best chances in winter months.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Burlington
Moderate aurora potential at 53.8° magnetic latitude. Northern lights appear during stronger storms when KP reaches 5+. Best chances in winter months.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Concord
Moderate aurora potential at 52.6° magnetic latitude. Northern lights appear during stronger storms when KP reaches 5+. Best chances in winter months.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Boston
Located at 51.7° MLAT with decent aurora opportunities. Geomagnetic storms with KP 6+ can produce visible displays. Monitor forecasts for storm alerts.
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Best Viewing Season in New England
Geographic Advantages
Magnetic Latitude 51.7°–54.1° MLAT
Cities Covered 4 locations
Winter Darkness 16-18 hours
Dark Sky Sites 2 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 New England?
Yes, New England region offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Bangor (MLAT 54.1°) can see aurora at Kp 6.0+, while southern locations need Kp 7.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Where are the darkest skies in New England?
The darkest locations include Mount Washington and Northeast Kingdom with Bortle class 2–2. These sites offer minimal light pollution for optimal aurora photography.
