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Northern Lights in Vermont

Kp 4.5+ needed in central Vermont

Aurora is visible from Vermont several times a year. In central Vermont the geomagnetic latitude is about 53°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 4.5 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Beecher Falls) needs about Kp 4.0.

Kp forecast vs. Kp 4.5 needed here

NOAA SWPC

Loading forecast…

Daily maximum of the 3-hour planetary Kp forecast. Green = at or above the level usually needed at central Vermont.

Kp needed (center)
Kp 4.5
geomag. lat 53°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 4.0
Beecher Falls
Kp needed (south)
Kp 5.5
Green River Covered Bridge

Kp needed in Vermont cities

CityGeomagnetic lat.Kp neededCity sky
Burlington53.7°Kp 4.57
South Burlington53.7°Kp 4.57

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 Vermont

LocationTypeCountyEst. Bortle
Crystal Lake State ParkState ParkOrleans County2
Brighton State ParkState ParkEssex County2
Maidstone State ParkState ParkEssex County2
Sentinel Rock State ParkState ParkOrleans County2
Allis State ParkState ParkOrange County3
Ricker Pond State ParkState ParkCaledonia County3
New Discovery State ParkState ParkWashington County3
Stillwater State ParkState ParkCaledonia County3
Kettle Pond State ParkState ParkWashington County3
Molly's Falls Pond State ParkState ParkWashington County3
Green River Reservoir State ParkState ParkLamoille County3
Little River State ParkState ParkWashington County3

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 Vermont?
Yes, several times a year. Central Vermont usually needs about Kp 4.5; the north about Kp 4.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 4.5+ for central Vermont. 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 Vermont?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Crystal Lake State Park, Brighton State Park, Maidstone State Park.