Can I see the northern lights tonight in Pennsylvania?
Unlikely in Pennsylvania tonight.
NOAA's Kp forecast peaks at 3 during Pennsylvania's dark hours tonight. Across the 15 Pennsylvania cities we cover, the aurora usually reaches the northern horizon at Kp 6 to 7.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | 51.1° | 6 / 8 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Williamsport | 49.9° | 7 / 8 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Scranton | 49.9° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| State College | 49.6° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Pittsburgh | 49.5° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Altoona | 49.4° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Johnstown | 49.3° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Allentown | 49.1° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Harrisburg | 49.0° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Lebanon | 49.0° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Reading, PA | 48.9° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Chambersburg | 48.7° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Lancaster | 48.6° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| York, PA | 48.6° | 7 / 9 | 3 | Unlikely |
| Philadelphia | 48.4° | 7 / 9 | 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 Erie local time, with Erie's thresholds.
Questions
Can I see the northern lights tonight in Pennsylvania?
Unlikely at best, from Erie. NOAA's Kp forecast peaks at 3 during Pennsylvania's dark hours tonight. Across the 15 Pennsylvania cities we cover, the aurora usually reaches the northern horizon at Kp 6 to 7. You also need a clear, dark view to the north.
What Kp do you need to see the northern lights in Pennsylvania?
About Kp 6 in the north of Pennsylvania and Kp 7 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 Pennsylvania, 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.