Northern Lights over the UK
Aurora forecast based on the Kp index — a measure of geomagnetic activity (scale 0–9). The higher the Kp, the further south the aurora can be seen. Best chance with a dark, clear sky and an open view to the north.
🧭 Kp index right now
3.3
Calm
Scale 0–9 · updated 22:10
🌙 Peak in the coming day
3.7
Calm
Expected peak Mon 14/9 19:00
Good chancesPossibleSmall chanceUnlikelyAurora zone (Kp 3.7)
Where can the aurora be seen tonight?
At Kp 3.7 and clear skies
Lerwick, Shetland
60,2°N
Possible
Kirkwall, Orkney
59,0°N
Small chance
Thurso
58,6°N
Small chance
Wick
58,4°N
Small chance
Stornoway
58,2°N
Small chance
Inverness
57,5°N
Small chance
Aberdeen
57,2°N
Small chance
Edinburgh
56,0°N
Unlikely
Belfast
54,6°N
Unlikely
Newcastle
55,0°N
Unlikely
Manchester
53,5°N
Unlikely
Birmingham
52,5°N
Unlikely
London
51,5°N
Unlikely
The assessment is based on latitude and forecast Kp. Local visibility, cloud and light pollution decide in the end — check
cloud cover on the radar.
Kp forecast — 3 days
3-hour values · NOAA SWPC
Tips for seeing the aurora
- Seek darkness — get away from town lights.
- A clear view to the north.
- Clear skies: check the cloud forecast first.
- The best time is usually 21:00–02:00.
- Let your eyes adjust to the dark for 15–20 min.
- A camera often sees faint aurora before the eye does.
What is the Kp index?
The Kp index measures disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field on a scale of 0–9. At
Kp 4–5 the aurora can be visible in northern Scotland; at
Kp 6 it can reach Northern Ireland and northern England, and during big storms (
Kp 7+) even the south coast. Values update every three hours.