Aurora is visible from Pennsylvania only during strong geomagnetic storms. In central Pennsylvania 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 Presque Isle Light) needs about Kp 5.5.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 6.5
geomag. lat 50°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 5.5
Presque Isle Light
Kp needed (south)
Kp 7.0
Glen Hope Covered Bridge
Kp needed in Pennsylvania cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 49.1° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Pittsburgh | 49.6° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Allentown | 49.8° | Kp 6.5 | 8 |
| Erie | 51.2° | Kp 5.5 | 7 |
| Reading | 49.5° | Kp 6.5 | 8 |
| Scranton | 50.6° | Kp 6.0 | 8 |
| Bethlehem | 49.8° | Kp 6.5 | 8 |
| Bensalem | 49.3° | Kp 6.5 | 8 |
| Lancaster | 49.2° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Abington | 49.3° | Kp 6.5 | 8 |
| Levittown | 49.3° | Kp 6.5 | 8 |
| Havertown | 49.2° | Kp 6.5 | 9 |
| Harrisburg | 49.4° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Altoona | 49.7° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| York | 49.1° | Kp 6.5 | 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 Pennsylvania
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Springs State Park | Dark Sky Place | Potter County | 2 |
| Lyman Run State Park | State Park | Potter County | 2 |
| Ole Bull State Park | State Park | Potter County | 2 |
| Patterson State Park | State Park | Potter County | 2 |
| Prouty Place State Park | State Park | Potter County | 2 |
| Denton Hill State Park | State Park | Potter County | 2 |
| Sinnemahoning State Park | State Park | Cameron County | 2 |
| Sizerville State Park | State Park | Cameron County | 2 |
| Colton Point State Park | State Park | Tioga County | 2 |
| Leonard Harrison State Park | State Park | Tioga County | 2 |
| Kettle Creek State Park | State Park | Clinton County | 2 |
| Kinzua Bridge State Park | State Park | McKean 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 Pennsylvania?
Yes, only during strong geomagnetic storms. Central Pennsylvania usually needs about Kp 6.5; the north about Kp 5.5.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 6.5+ for central Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Cherry Springs State Park, Lyman Run State Park, Ole Bull State Park.