Will the Northern Lights be visible in the UK tonight?
Live aurora forecast for the UK using your approximate location and real-time geomagnetic activity (Kp index).
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Your location
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You can override this later. For v1 we use an approximate IP location.Tonight’s chance
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Fetching data…How this works
- We detect your approximate latitude and longitude.
- We fetch live geomagnetic activity (Kp index).
- We estimate aurora visibility chance for UK latitudes.
When can you see the Northern Lights in the UK?
The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) can be visible in the UK during periods of stronger geomagnetic activity. A higher Kp value increases the likelihood that auroras will be visible further south from Scotland into northern England.
What is the Kp index?
The Kp index measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9. In the UK, aurora visibility typically improves when Kp reaches 5 or higher. Scotland has the best chances due to its higher latitude.
Where in the UK is best for aurora viewing?
Northern Scotland, the Highlands, Shetland, Orkney, and darker rural areas offer the best viewing conditions. Try to get away from streetlights, towns, and bright coastal resorts if you can.
Best time of year to see the Northern Lights
Aurora activity can occur at any time of year, but the darker months between September and March provide better viewing conditions because nights are longer.