Aurora is visible from Arizona only during rare, extreme storms. In central Arizona the geomagnetic latitude is about 41°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 9.0 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness) needs about Kp 9.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 9.0
geomag. lat 41°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 9.0
Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness
Kp needed (south)
Kp 9.0
Faro Puerto Peñasco Cerro de la Ballena
Kp needed in Arizona cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 40.3° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Tucson | 39.2° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Mesa | 40.3° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Chandler | 40.2° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Gilbert | 40.3° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Glendale | 40.4° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
| Scottsdale | 40.4° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Peoria | 40.4° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Tempe | 40.3° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
| Tempe Junction | 40.3° | Kp 9.0 | 9 |
| Surprise | 40.5° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Yuma | 39.3° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| San Tan Valley | 40.1° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Avondale | 40.3° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Goodyear | 40.3° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
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 Arizona
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon National Park | Dark Sky Place | Coconino County | 1 |
| Petrified Forest National Park | Dark Sky Place | Apache County | 1 |
| Pipe Spring National Monument | Dark Sky Place | Mohave County | 2 |
| Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians | Dark Sky Place | Mohave County | 2 |
| Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument | Dark Sky Place | Mohave County | 2 |
| Flagstaff Area National Monuments | Dark Sky Place | Coconino County | 2 |
| East Rim Viewpoint | Scenic Viewpoint | Coconino County | 1 |
| Lookout Point | Scenic Viewpoint | Coconino County | 1 |
| Marble Viewpoint | Scenic Viewpoint | Coconino County | 1 |
| Massacre Cave Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Apache County | 1 |
| Mummy Cave Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Apache County | 1 |
| Spider Rock Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Apache County | 1 |
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 Arizona?
Yes, only during rare, extreme storms. Central Arizona usually needs about Kp 9.0; the north about Kp 9.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 9.0+ for central Arizona. 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 Arizona?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Grand Canyon National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Pipe Spring National Monument.