Aurora is visible from New Jersey only during strong geomagnetic storms. In central New Jersey the geomagnetic latitude is about 50°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 6.5 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around High Point) needs about Kp 6.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 6.5
geomag. lat 50°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 6.0
High Point
Kp needed (south)
Kp 7.0
Beach Boardwalk at South Cape May Meadows
Kp needed in New Jersey cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 49.9° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Jersey City | 49.9° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Paterson | 50.1° | Kp 6.0 | 9 |
| Elizabeth | 49.9° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Edison | 49.7° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Trenton | 49.4° | Kp 6.5 | 8 |
| Toms River | 49.2° | Kp 6.5 | 8 |
| Clifton | 50.1° | Kp 6.0 | 9 |
| Camden | 49.1° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Brick | 49.3° | Kp 6.5 | 8 |
| Passaic | 50.1° | Kp 6.0 | 9 |
| Cherry Hill | 49.1° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Union City | 50.0° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Bayonne | 49.9° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Middletown | 49.6° | Kp 6.5 | 8 |
Approximate Kp for aurora low on the northern horizon (camera-visible). Higher Kp lets it climb higher and show color to the eye.
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 Jersey?
Yes, only during strong geomagnetic storms. Central New Jersey usually needs about Kp 6.5; the north about Kp 6.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 6.5+ for central New Jersey. 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 Jersey?
Any dark site with a clear northern horizon, as far north as practical.