Can I see the northern lights tonight in Kentucky?
Unlikely in Kentucky tonight.
NOAA's Kp forecast peaks at 3 during Kentucky's dark hours tonight. Across the 8 Kentucky cities we cover, the aurora usually reaches the northern horizon at Kp 8.
Green: NOAA OVATION aurora model, forecast for 03:41 UTC 5 Nov (a 30 to 90 minute nowcast; the oval moves and brightens through the night). Dots: our verdict for tonight from the Kp forecast.
City by city
| City | Mag. lat. | Kp needed horizon / overhead | Peak Kp tonight | Tonight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | 47.9° | 8 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Meads | 47.8° | 8 / – | 3 | Unlikely |
| Frankfort | 47.8° | 8 / – | 3 | Unlikely |
| Lexington | 47.5° | 8 / – | 3 | Unlikely |
| Owensboro | 47.4° | 8 / – | 3 | Unlikely |
| Elizabethtown | 47.3° | 8 / – | 3 | Unlikely |
| Paducah | 46.8° | 8 / – | 3 | Unlikely |
| Bowling Green | 46.7° | 8 / – | 3 | Unlikely |
Kp needed: the Kp at which the aurora usually reaches the northern horizon, and overhead. Peak Kp: NOAA's highest forecast 3-hour Kp in each city's dark hours tonight.
Kp forecast
NOAA planetary K-index, observed and forecast, in Louisville local time, with Louisville's thresholds.
Questions
Can I see the northern lights tonight in Kentucky?
Unlikely at best, from Louisville. NOAA's Kp forecast peaks at 3 during Kentucky's dark hours tonight. Across the 8 Kentucky cities we cover, the aurora usually reaches the northern horizon at Kp 8. You also need a clear, dark view to the north.
What Kp do you need to see the northern lights in Kentucky?
About Kp 8 to see it low on the northern horizon; stronger storms bring it overhead.
Where is the best place to see it?
Somewhere dark with a clear view north, away from town lights. In Kentucky, the further north you go, the lower the Kp you need.
Northern lights tonight in the US → · Aurora forecast this week
Data: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (planetary K-index forecast, 3-day forecast, 27-day outlook, OVATION aurora model). Magnetic latitudes: AACGM-v2. Darkness and Moon computed with Skyfield and JPL DE440. We do not forecast clouds: you need a clear view to the north. How the verdict is made.