Can I see the northern lights in Alaska tonight?

It is still light in Alaska; the aurora can only be seen once the sky is dark. NOAA's OVATION model gives a 1% chance of aurora directly overhead and 9% on the northern horizon.

When is the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska?

The best season is September to March on dark, clear nights; activity usually peaks between 22:00 and 02:00 local time. Chances rise sharply when Kp reaches 4 or more.

Northern lights · United States

Alaska Northern Lights Forecast

Still light
Kp 2.0 · horizon 9% · clouds 95%

Kp index: 2.0
Overhead chance: 1%
On the horizon: 9%
Cloud cover: 95%
Full darkness: 21:22 – 06:22

Updated: 24 min ago · Source: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (OVATION, Kp)

It is still light in Alaska; the aurora can only be seen once the sky is dark. Geomagnetic activity (Kp index) is 2.0. NOAA's OVATION model gives a 1% chance of aurora directly overhead and 9% on the northern horizon. Cloud cover is 95%. Full darkness tonight lasts from 21:22 to 06:22.

3-day Kp forecast

Kp 5 or higher means a geomagnetic storm; the lights can be seen further south.

October 16	Kp 4.0	Active: good chance
October 17	Kp 2.0	Quiet
October 18	Kp 1.7	Quiet

Best places to see the aurora right now

Frequently asked questions

Can I see the northern lights in Alaska tonight?: It is still light in Alaska; the aurora can only be seen once the sky is dark. NOAA's OVATION model gives a 1% chance of aurora directly overhead and 9% on the northern horizon.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska?: The best season is September to March on dark, clear nights; activity usually peaks between 22:00 and 02:00 local time. Chances rise sharply when Kp reaches 4 or more.