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Northern Lights in Delaware

Kp 7.0+ needed in central Delaware

Aurora is visible from Delaware only during strong geomagnetic storms. In central Delaware the geomagnetic latitude is about 49°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 7.0 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Smith's Bridge) needs about Kp 6.5.

Kp forecast vs. Kp 7.0 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 Delaware.

Kp needed (center)
Kp 7.0
geomag. lat 49°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 6.5
Smith's Bridge
Kp needed (south)
Kp 7.5
Fenwick Island Light

Kp needed in Delaware cities

CityGeomagnetic lat.Kp neededCity sky
Wilmington48.9°Kp 7.08
Dover48.3°Kp 7.07
Newark48.9°Kp 7.07
Middletown48.6°Kp 7.06
Bear48.8°Kp 7.06

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 Delaware

LocationTypeCountyEst. Bortle
Holts Landing State ParkState ParkSussex County3

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 Delaware?
Yes, only during strong geomagnetic storms. Central Delaware usually needs about Kp 7.0; the north about Kp 6.5.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 7.0+ for central Delaware. 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 Delaware?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Holts Landing State Park.