Aurora is visible from Utah only during rare, extreme storms. In central Utah the geomagnetic latitude is about 46°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 8.5 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Bear Lake) needs about Kp 7.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 8.5
geomag. lat 46°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 7.0
Bear Lake
Kp needed (south)
Kp 9.0
Boundary Butte
Kp needed in Utah cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | 47.6° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| West Valley City | 47.5° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| Provo | 47.1° | Kp 7.5 | 7 |
| West Jordan | 47.4° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| Orem | 47.2° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| Sandy | 47.4° | Kp 7.5 | 9 |
| Ogden | 48.0° | Kp 7.0 | 8 |
| Layton | 47.9° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| Saint George | 43.8° | Kp 9.0 | 7 |
| South Jordan | 47.4° | Kp 7.5 | 9 |
| Millcreek | 47.5° | Kp 7.5 | 9 |
| Taylorsville | 47.5° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| Lehi | 47.2° | Kp 7.5 | 7 |
| Logan | 48.6° | Kp 7.0 | 7 |
| Murray | 47.5° | Kp 7.5 | 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 Utah
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arches National Park | Dark Sky Place | Grand County | 2 |
| Goblin Valley State Park | Dark Sky Place | Wayne County | 1 |
| Utah Territorial Statehouse | State Park | Millard County | 2 |
| Fremont Indian State Park and Museum | State Park | Sevier County | 1 |
| Green River State Park | State Park | Emery County | 1 |
| Millsite State Park | State Park | Emery County | 2 |
| Balanced Rock Viewpoint and Trail | Scenic Viewpoint | Grand County | 2 |
| Upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint | Scenic Viewpoint | Grand County | 1 |
| Ferron Canyon Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Emery County | 2 |
| Fiery Furnace Viewpoint | Scenic Viewpoint | Grand County | 1 |
| Lookout Point | Scenic Viewpoint | Emery County | 1 |
| Overlook Ridge | Scenic Viewpoint | Grand County | 1 |
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 Utah?
Yes, only during rare, extreme storms. Central Utah usually needs about Kp 8.5; the north about Kp 7.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 8.5+ for central Utah. 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 Utah?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Arches National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Utah Territorial Statehouse.