Aurora is visible from Tennessee only during rare, extreme storms. In central Tennessee the geomagnetic latitude is about 44°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 9.0 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Bell Witch Cave) needs about Kp 8.5.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 9.0
geomag. lat 44°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 8.5
Bell Witch Cave
Kp needed (south)
Kp 9.0
Lower Cascades Glen Falls 65
Kp needed in Tennessee cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | 45.1° | Kp 8.5 | 7 |
| Memphis | 43.9° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Knoxville | 45.0° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Chattanooga | 44.0° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Clarksville | 45.4° | Kp 8.5 | 7 |
| Murfreesboro | 44.7° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| East Chattanooga | 44.0° | Kp 9.0 | 8 |
| Franklin | 44.8° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Cordova | 43.9° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Jackson | 44.4° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Johnson City | 45.4° | Kp 8.5 | 7 |
| Bartlett | 43.9° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| Hendersonville | 45.2° | Kp 8.5 | 7 |
| Kingsport | 45.6° | Kp 8.5 | 7 |
| Collierville | 43.8° | Kp 9.0 | 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 Tennessee
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickett Civilian Conservation Corps Memorial State Park | Dark Sky Place | Fentress County | 2 |
| Obed Wild and Scenic River | Dark Sky Place | Morgan County | 3 |
| Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park | State Park | Fentress County | 2 |
| Natchez Trace State Park | State Park | Henderson County | 3 |
| Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park | State Park | Pickett County | 2 |
| Honey Creek Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Scott County | 3 |
| Lookout Point | Scenic Viewpoint | Fentress County | 2 |
| Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park | State Park | Benton County | 3 |
| Standing Stone State Park | State Park | Overton County | 3 |
| Indian Mountain State Park | State Park | Campbell County | 3 |
| Morton Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Sevier County | 3 |
| Overlook Picnic Area | Scenic Viewpoint | Greene 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 Tennessee?
Yes, only during rare, extreme storms. Central Tennessee usually needs about Kp 9.0; the north about Kp 8.5.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 9.0+ for central Tennessee. 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 Tennessee?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Pickett Civilian Conservation Corps Memorial State Park, Obed Wild and Scenic River, Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park.