Can I see the northern lights tonight in Missouri?
Unlikely in Missouri tonight.
NOAA's Kp forecast peaks at 3 during Missouri's dark hours tonight. Across the 7 Missouri cities we cover, the aurora usually reaches the northern horizon at Kp 7 to 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph | 49.2° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Kansas City | 48.6° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Columbia | 48.5° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| St. Louis | 48.3° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Jefferson City | 48.2° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Springfield, MO | 46.8° | 8 / – | 3 | Unlikely |
| Joplin | 46.6° | 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 Kansas City local time, with Kansas City's thresholds.
Questions
Can I see the northern lights tonight in Missouri?
Unlikely at best, from Kansas City. NOAA's Kp forecast peaks at 3 during Missouri's dark hours tonight. Across the 7 Missouri cities we cover, the aurora usually reaches the northern horizon at Kp 7 to 8. You also need a clear, dark view to the north.
What Kp do you need to see the northern lights in Missouri?
About Kp 7 in the north of Missouri and Kp 8 in the south 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 Missouri, 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.