Aurora is visible from Nevada only during rare, extreme storms. In central Nevada the geomagnetic latitude is about 46°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 8.5 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Hot Spring) needs about Kp 7.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 8.5
geomag. lat 46°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 7.0
Hot Spring
Kp needed (south)
Kp 9.0
Pyramid Canyon
Kp needed in Nevada cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | 42.7° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Henderson | 42.6° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Reno | 45.4° | Kp 8.5 | 7 |
| North Las Vegas | 42.7° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Paradise | 42.6° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Sunrise Manor | 42.7° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Spring Valley | 42.6° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Enterprise | 42.5° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Sparks | 45.4° | Kp 8.5 | 8 |
| Carson City | 45.1° | Kp 8.5 | 7 |
| Whitney | 42.6° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Pahrump | 42.6° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Winchester | 42.6° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Summerlin South | 42.6° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Elko | 47.2° | Kp 7.5 | 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 Nevada
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Horse State Recreation Area | State Park | Elko County | 1 |
| Rye Patch State Recreation Area | State Park | Pershing County | 1 |
| South Fork State Recreation Area | State Park | Elko County | 2 |
| Lahontan State Recreation Area | State Park | Lyon County | 3 |
| Fly Geyser | Hot Spring | Humboldt County | 1 |
| Strawberry | Ghost Town | White Pine County | 1 |
| Rochester | Ghost Town | Pershing County | 1 |
| Palisade | Ghost Town | Eureka County | 1 |
| Star City | Ghost Town | Pershing County | 1 |
| Tunnel Camp | Ghost Town | Pershing County | 1 |
| Unionville | Ghost Town | Pershing County | 1 |
| Island Lake | Lake | Elko County | 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 Nevada?
Yes, only during rare, extreme storms. Central Nevada usually needs about Kp 8.5; the north about Kp 7.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 8.5+ for central Nevada. 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 Nevada?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Wild Horse State Recreation Area, Rye Patch State Recreation Area, South Fork State Recreation Area.