Aurora is visible from New York only during strong geomagnetic storms. In central New York the geomagnetic latitude is about 52°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 5.5 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Lake Saint Francis) needs about Kp 4.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 5.5
geomag. lat 52°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 4.0
Lake Saint Francis
Kp needed (south)
Kp 6.5
Ambrose Light
Kp needed in New York cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 49.9° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Brooklyn | 49.8° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Queens | 49.9° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Manhattan | 50.0° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| The Bronx | 50.0° | Kp 6.0 | 9 |
| Staten Island | 49.8° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Buffalo | 52.0° | Kp 5.0 | 7 |
| Rochester | 52.3° | Kp 5.0 | 7 |
| Yonkers | 50.1° | Kp 6.0 | 9 |
| Syracuse | 52.2° | Kp 5.0 | 7 |
| Amherst | 52.1° | Kp 5.0 | 8 |
| Albany | 51.9° | Kp 5.5 | 8 |
| West Albany | 51.9° | Kp 5.5 | 8 |
| Greenburgh | 50.2° | Kp 6.0 | 9 |
| New Rochelle | 50.1° | Kp 6.0 | 9 |
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 York
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adirondack Park | State Park | Hamilton County | 2 |
| Wellesley Island State Park | State Park | Jefferson County | 2 |
| Dewolf Point State Park | State Park | Jefferson County | 2 |
| Kring Point State Park | State Park | Jefferson County | 2 |
| Mary Island State Park | State Park | Jefferson County | 2 |
| Burnham Point State Park | State Park | Jefferson County | 2 |
| Whetstone Gulf State Park | State Park | Lewis County | 3 |
| Southwick Beach State Park | State Park | Jefferson County | 2 |
| Pixley Falls State Park | State Park | Oneida County | 3 |
| Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site | State Park | Jefferson County | 3 |
| Macomb Reservation State Park | State Park | Clinton County | 3 |
| Barnhart Island Overlook and Picnic Area | Scenic Viewpoint | St. Lawrence 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 York?
Yes, only during strong geomagnetic storms. Central New York usually needs about Kp 5.5; the north about Kp 4.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 5.5+ for central New York. 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 York?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Adirondack Park, Wellesley Island State Park, Dewolf Point State Park.