Aurora is visible from Indiana only during strong geomagnetic storms. In central Indiana 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 Michigan City Breakwater Light) needs about Kp 6.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 7.0
geomag. lat 49°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 6.0
Michigan City Breakwater Light
Kp needed (south)
Kp 8.0
Squire Boone Caverns
Kp needed in Indiana cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis | 48.7° | Kp 7.0 | 7 |
| Fort Wayne | 50.1° | Kp 6.0 | 7 |
| Evansville | 46.8° | Kp 8.0 | 7 |
| South Bend | 50.6° | Kp 6.0 | 7 |
| Carmel | 48.9° | Kp 7.0 | 7 |
| Bloomington | 48.1° | Kp 7.0 | 7 |
| Hammond | 50.4° | Kp 6.0 | 8 |
| Gary | 50.4° | Kp 6.0 | 8 |
| Fishers | 48.9° | Kp 7.0 | 8 |
| Lafayette | 49.3° | Kp 6.5 | 8 |
| Muncie | 49.1° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Terre Haute | 48.3° | Kp 7.0 | 7 |
| Noblesville | 49.0° | Kp 7.0 | 7 |
| Kokomo | 49.4° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Greenwood | 48.5° | Kp 7.0 | 7 |
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 Indiana
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey Run State Park | State Park | Parke County | 3 |
| Shades State Park | State Park | Parke County | 3 |
| Sloan | Ghost Town | Warren County | 3 |
| Chatterton | Ghost Town | Warren County | 3 |
| Brisco | Ghost Town | Warren County | 3 |
| Portland Arch | Natural Arch | Fountain County | 3 |
| Jackson Covered Bridge | Covered Bridge | Parke County | 3 |
| Bowsher Ford Covered Bridge | Covered Bridge | Parke County | 3 |
| Cox Ford Covered Bridge | Covered Bridge | Parke County | 3 |
| Possum Bottom Covered Bridge | Covered Bridge | Vermillion County | 3 |
| West Union Covered Bridge | Covered Bridge | Parke County | 3 |
| Wilkins Mill Covered Bridge | Covered Bridge | Parke County | 3 |
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 Indiana?
Yes, only during strong geomagnetic storms. Central Indiana usually needs about Kp 7.0; the north about Kp 6.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 7.0+ for central Indiana. Kp is a 0–9 scale of geomagnetic activity; each step moves the aurora's southern edge a few degrees of latitude.