Aurora is visible from Virginia only during rare, extreme storms. In central Virginia the geomagnetic latitude is about 47°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 8.0 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Keyes Gap) needs about Kp 7.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 8.0
geomag. lat 47°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 7.0
Keyes Gap
Kp needed (south)
Kp 8.5
Kerr Lake
Kp needed in Virginia cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 46.0° | Kp 8.0 | 7 |
| Norfolk | 46.0° | Kp 8.0 | 9 |
| Chesapeake | 46.0° | Kp 8.5 | 9 |
| Richmond | 46.7° | Kp 8.0 | 7 |
| Arlington | 48.0° | Kp 7.0 | 9 |
| Newport News | 46.2° | Kp 8.0 | 7 |
| Alexandria | 48.0° | Kp 7.5 | 9 |
| East Hampton | 46.2° | Kp 8.0 | 8 |
| Hampton | 46.2° | Kp 8.0 | 8 |
| Roanoke | 46.4° | Kp 8.0 | 7 |
| Portsmouth Heights | 46.0° | Kp 8.5 | 8 |
| Portsmouth | 46.0° | Kp 8.0 | 9 |
| Suffolk | 45.9° | Kp 8.5 | 8 |
| South Suffolk | 45.9° | Kp 8.5 | 8 |
| Lynchburg | 46.5° | Kp 8.0 | 8 |
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 Virginia
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Douthat State Park | State Park | Bath County | 3 |
| Briery Branch Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Augusta County | 3 |
| Top Dirve Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Rockbridge County | 3 |
| Spy Mountain Parking Area, Blue Ridge Parkway | Scenic Viewpoint | Nelson County | 3 |
| Whetstone Ridge Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Rockbridge County | 3 |
| Belle Isle State Park | State Park | Lancaster County | 3 |
| Bald Mountain Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Augusta County | 3 |
| Fork Mountain Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Nelson County | 3 |
| Hazeltop Ridge Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Page County | 3 |
| Naked Creek Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Page County | 3 |
| Tanners Ridge Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Page County | 3 |
| The Oaks Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Rockingham 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 Virginia?
Yes, only during rare, extreme storms. Central Virginia usually needs about Kp 8.0; the north about Kp 7.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 8.0+ for central Virginia. 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 Virginia?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Douthat State Park, Briery Branch Overlook, Top Dirve Overlook.