Aurora is visible from Maryland only during strong geomagnetic storms. In central Maryland the geomagnetic latitude is about 48°, 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 Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge) needs about Kp 7.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 7.0
geomag. lat 48°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 7.0
Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge
Kp needed (south)
Kp 7.5
Janes Island Light
Kp needed in Maryland cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 48.5° | Kp 7.0 | 9 |
| Columbia | 48.4° | Kp 7.0 | 8 |
| Germantown | 48.3° | Kp 7.0 | 8 |
| Silver Spring | 48.2° | Kp 7.0 | 9 |
| Frederick | 48.6° | Kp 7.0 | 7 |
| Waldorf | 47.8° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| Glen Burnie | 48.3° | Kp 7.0 | 8 |
| Gaithersburg | 48.3° | Kp 7.0 | 8 |
| Rockville | 48.3° | Kp 7.0 | 8 |
| Ellicott City | 48.4° | Kp 7.0 | 8 |
| Dundalk | 48.4° | Kp 7.0 | 8 |
| Bethesda | 48.1° | Kp 7.0 | 9 |
| Bowie | 48.1° | Kp 7.0 | 8 |
| Towson | 48.6° | Kp 7.0 | 8 |
| Aspen Hill | 48.2° | Kp 7.0 | 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 Maryland
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swallow Falls State Park | State Park | Garrett County | 3 |
| Deep Creek Lake State Park | State Park | Garrett County | 3 |
| Big Run State Park | State Park | Garrett County | 3 |
| New Germany State Park | State Park | Garrett County | 3 |
| Deep Creek Lake | Lake | Garrett County | 3 |
| Gap Falls | Waterfall | Garrett County | 3 |
| Lower Swallow Falls | Waterfall | Garrett County | 3 |
| Muddy Creek Falls | Waterfall | Garrett County | 3 |
| Tolliver Falls | Waterfall | Garrett County | 3 |
| Upper Swallow Falls | Waterfall | Garrett County | 3 |
| Hoye-Crest | Mountain Peak | Garrett County | 3 |
| Kelso Gap | Mountain Pass | Garrett 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 Maryland?
Yes, only during strong geomagnetic storms. Central Maryland usually needs about Kp 7.0; the north about Kp 7.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 7.0+ for central Maryland. 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 Maryland?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Swallow Falls State Park, Deep Creek Lake State Park, Big Run State Park.