Aurora is visible from Mississippi only during rare, extreme storms. In central Mississippi the geomagnetic latitude is about 42°, 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 Scruggs Bridge Overlook Area) needs about Kp 9.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 9.0
geomag. lat 42°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 9.0
Scruggs Bridge Overlook Area
Kp needed (south)
Kp 9.0
Chandeleur Island Light
Kp needed in Mississippi cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 41.0° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Gulfport | 39.2° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| West Gulfport | 39.2° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Southaven | 43.7° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Hattiesburg | 40.1° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Biloxi | 39.2° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Meridian | 41.2° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Olive Branch | 43.7° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Tupelo | 43.1° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Greenville | 42.1° | Kp 9.0 | 6 |
| Horn Lake | 43.7° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Pearl | 41.0° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Madison | 41.2° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Starkville | 42.2° | Kp 9.0 | 6 |
| Clinton | 41.1° | 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 Mississippi
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holmes County State Park | State Park | Holmes County | 2 |
| Great River Road State Park | State Park | Bolivar County | 2 |
| Nanih Waiya | State Park | Winston County | 2 |
| Bywy Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Choctaw County | 2 |
| Tishomingo State Park | State Park | Tishomingo County | 3 |
| George P. Cossar State Park | State Park | Yalobusha County | 3 |
| Noxubee Lookout Tower | Scenic Viewpoint | Noxubee County | 2 |
| Paden Overlook Area | Scenic Viewpoint | Tishomingo County | 3 |
| Leroy Percy State Park | State Park | Washington County | 3 |
| Burnsville Overlook Area | Scenic Viewpoint | Tishomingo County | 3 |
| Divide Overlook Area | Scenic Viewpoint | Tishomingo County | 3 |
| Scruggs Bridge Overlook Area | Scenic Viewpoint | Tishomingo 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 Mississippi?
Yes, only during rare, extreme storms. Central Mississippi usually needs about Kp 9.0; the north about Kp 9.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 9.0+ for central Mississippi. 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 Mississippi?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Holmes County State Park, Great River Road State Park, Nanih Waiya.