Aurora is visible from Louisiana only during rare, extreme storms. In central Louisiana the geomagnetic latitude is about 39°, 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 Chemin-A-Haut State Park) needs about Kp 9.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 9.0
geomag. lat 39°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 9.0
Chemin-A-Haut State Park
Kp needed (south)
Kp 9.0
Burrwood
Kp needed in Louisiana cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 38.7° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Baton Rouge | 39.1° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Shreveport | 41.0° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Metairie | 38.7° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Lafayette | 38.8° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Lake Charles | 38.8° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Bossier City | 41.0° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Kenner | 38.7° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Monroe | 41.1° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Alexandria | 39.9° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Houma | 38.3° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Marrero | 38.6° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| New Iberia | 38.6° | Kp 9.0 | 6 |
| Laplace | 38.8° | Kp 9.0 | 6 |
| Central | 39.2° | Kp 9.0 | 6 |
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 Louisiana
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Bruin State Park | State Park | Tensas Parish | 2 |
| Hodges Gardens State Park | State Park | Sabine Parish | 2 |
| North Toledo Bend State Park | State Park | Sabine Parish | 2 |
| South Toledo Bend State Park | State Park | Vernon Parish | 2 |
| Bayou Cypre Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Natchitoches Parish | 2 |
| Bayou Luce Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Natchitoches Parish | 2 |
| Bayou Pierre Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Natchitoches Parish | 2 |
| Bolton Hill Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Natchitoches Parish | 2 |
| Jackson Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Natchitoches Parish | 2 |
| Melrose Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Natchitoches Parish | 2 |
| Fort Jesup | State Park | Sabine Parish | 2 |
| Chemin-A-Haut State Park | State Park | Morehouse Parish | 2 |
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 Louisiana?
Yes, only during rare, extreme storms. Central Louisiana usually needs about Kp 9.0; the north about Kp 9.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 9.0+ for central Louisiana. 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 Louisiana?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Lake Bruin State Park, Hodges Gardens State Park, North Toledo Bend State Park.