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Northern Lights in Alaska

Kp 1.0+ needed in central Alaska

Aurora is visible from Alaska frequently. In central Alaska the geomagnetic latitude is about 60°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 1.0 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Teshekpuk Lake) needs about Kp 0.0.

Kp forecast vs. Kp 1.0 needed here

NOAA SWPC

Loading forecast…

Daily maximum of the 3-hour planetary Kp forecast. Green = at or above the level usually needed at central Alaska.

Kp needed (center)
Kp 1.0
geomag. lat 60°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 0.0
Teshekpuk Lake
Kp needed (south)
Kp 7.0
White Falls

Kp needed in Alaska cities

CityGeomagnetic lat.Kp neededCity sky
Anchorage61.9°Kp 0.57
Fairbanks65.6°Kp 0.07
Juneau61.6°Kp 0.56
Eagle River62.1°Kp 0.06
Badger65.6°Kp 0.06

Approximate Kp for aurora low on the northern horizon (camera-visible). Higher Kp lets it climb higher and show color to the eye.

Dark, northern photo locations in Alaska

LocationTypeCountyEst. Bortle
Denali State ParkState ParkMatanuska-Susitna Borough1
Wood-Tikchik State ParkState ParkDillingham Census Area1
Kachemak Bay State ParkState ParkKenai Peninsula Borough1
Chena River State Recreation AreaState ParkFairbanks North Star Borough1
Tern LakeScenic ViewpointKenai Peninsula Borough2
Gobblers KnobScenic ViewpointYukon-Koyukuk Census Area1
Hess Creek OverlookScenic ViewpointYukon-Koyukuk Census Area1
Copper River ViewpointScenic ViewpointCopper River Census Area1
Edgerton OverlookScenic ViewpointCopper River Census Area1
Worthington Glacier ViewpointScenic ViewpointChugach Census Area1
Denali ViewpointScenic ViewpointDenali Borough1
Exit Glacier ViewpointScenic ViewpointKenai Peninsula Borough2

How to photograph the northern lights

  • Watch the live Kp forecast above and NOAA's 30-minute aurora forecast; storms often peak between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
  • Find an unobstructed view to the north — a lake, open field or ridge — away from town lights.
  • Start at ISO 1600–3200, f/2.8 or faster, 5–15 seconds; shorter exposures keep fast-moving curtains sharp.
  • Your camera sees aurora as green or red long before your eyes do — take test shots whenever Kp is near the threshold.
  • Moonlight lights the foreground but washes out faint aurora; strong storms are still worth shooting under a bright moon.

FAQ

Can you see the northern lights in Alaska?
Yes, frequently. Central Alaska usually needs about Kp 1.0; the north about Kp 0.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 1.0+ for central Alaska. Kp is a 0–9 scale of geomagnetic activity; each step moves the aurora's southern edge a few degrees of latitude.
Where is the best place to see the aurora in Alaska?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Denali State Park, Wood-Tikchik State Park, Kachemak Bay State Park.