Aurora is visible from New Hampshire several times a year. In central New Hampshire the geomagnetic latitude is about 53°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 4.5 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Moose Falls) needs about Kp 4.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 4.5
geomag. lat 53°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 4.0
Moose Falls
Kp needed (south)
Kp 5.5
Pratt Mountain
Kp needed in New Hampshire cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 52.2° | Kp 5.0 | 7 |
| Nashua | 52.0° | Kp 5.5 | 8 |
| Concord | 52.4° | Kp 5.0 | 7 |
| East Concord | 52.4° | Kp 5.0 | 7 |
| Derry Village | 52.1° | Kp 5.0 | 7 |
| Dover | 52.4° | Kp 5.0 | 7 |
| Rochester | 52.5° | Kp 5.0 | 6 |
| Salem | 52.0° | Kp 5.5 | 7 |
| Merrimack | 52.1° | Kp 5.0 | 7 |
| Keene | 52.1° | Kp 5.0 | 6 |
| Derry | 52.1° | Kp 5.0 | 7 |
| Portsmouth | 52.3° | Kp 5.0 | 6 |
| Bedford | 52.1° | Kp 5.0 | 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 New Hampshire
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dixville Notch State Park | State Park | Coos County | 2 |
| Coleman State Park | State Park | Coos County | 2 |
| Mollidgewock State Park | State Park | Coos County | 2 |
| Umbagog Lake State Park | State Park | Coos County | 2 |
| Mount Washington State Park | State Park | Coos County | 3 |
| Franconia Notch State Park | State Park | Grafton County | 3 |
| Echo Lake-Cathedral Ledge State Park | State Park | Carroll County | 3 |
| Crawford Notch State Park | State Park | Carroll County | 3 |
| Hancock Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Grafton County | 3 |
| Jackman Brook Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Grafton County | 3 |
| Pemi Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Grafton County | 3 |
| Sugar Hill Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Grafton 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 New Hampshire?
Yes, several times a year. Central New Hampshire usually needs about Kp 4.5; the north about Kp 4.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 4.5+ for central New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Dixville Notch State Park, Coleman State Park, Mollidgewock State Park.