Cities Covered
16
Monitoring locations across Pacific Northwest
Magnetic Latitude Range
47.8°–54.4° MLAT
Prime aurora viewing latitudes
Required Kp Index
Kp 6.0–9.0
Minimum activity for visibility
Kp Requirements by Location
Great Falls
54.4° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Bellingham
54.2° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Coeur d'Alene
53.9° MLAT
Required Kp Levels
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Kp0Kp1Kp2Kp3Kp4Kp5Kp6Kp7Kp8Kp9
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Spokane
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
Missoula
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
Helena
53.4° 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 Pacific Northwest. Click markers for details and directions.
Bortle 1
Oregon Star Party Site
Renowned astronomy gathering site
200mi from portland50mi from bend
Ochoco National Forest roads
Aurora Status by City
Great Falls
Central Montana city on the Great Plains with wide-open aurora skies
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Bellingham
Pacific Northwest city near Canadian border with enhanced aurora potential
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Coeur d'Alene
Northern Idaho lake city with excellent aurora viewing conditions
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Spokane
Inland Washington city with Great Plains aurora viewing opportunities
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Missoula
University city in Montana's Rockies with frequent aurora displays
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Helena
Montana capital in Rocky Mountain foothills with aurora potential
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Seattle
Pacific Northwest city with occasional aurora displays during strong storms
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Billings
Montana's largest city with Great Plains aurora viewing opportunities
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Bozeman
Montana State University city with mountain aurora photography opportunities
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Yakima
Central Washington agricultural city with clear skies for aurora photography
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Portland
Oregon's largest city with rare but memorable northern lights events
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Idaho Falls
Eastern Idaho city with clear high-desert skies for northern lights
CURRENT STATUS
Likely Visible
View
Best Viewing Season in Pacific Northwest
Geographic Advantages
Magnetic Latitude 47.8°–54.4° MLAT
Cities Covered 16 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 16 cities
Advance Notice 30 minutes
Weather Integration Cloud cover
Predictions Best viewing times
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in Pacific Northwest?
Yes, Pacific Northwest region offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Great Falls (MLAT 54.4°) 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 Pacific Northwest?
The darkest locations include Oregon Star Party Site with Bortle class 1–1. These sites offer minimal light pollution for optimal aurora photography.
