City
Seeing the northern lights from Burlington
Burlington sits at 53.6° magnetic latitude, just south of the usual auroral oval. A Kp of about 4.1 brings aurora into view low on the northern horizon, and about 6.3 puts it overhead.
Dark hours by month
Hours each night with the sun at least 12° below the horizon, on the 15th of each month.
There is a dark sky every night of the year, so aurora season never closes in Burlington. Geomagnetic activity also tends to run higher around the March and September equinoxes.
What each storm level means here
The higher the Kp index, the farther the oval spreads toward the equator.
- Kp 9G5 extreme storm: aurora overhead from Burlington
- Kp 7G3 strong storm: aurora overhead from Burlington
- Kp 5G1 minor storm: aurora on the horizon from Burlington
- Kp 3Unsettled: aurora not in view from Burlington
- Kp 1Quiet: aurora not in view from Burlington
Questions about the aurora in Burlington
Can you see the northern lights in Burlington?
Yes, on active nights. You need a Kp of about 4.1 for aurora on the northern horizon and clear, dark skies away from city lights.
What Kp index do you need to see the aurora in Burlington?
About Kp 4.1 for aurora on the northern horizon and about Kp 6.3 for aurora overhead. These come from Burlington's magnetic latitude of 53.6°.
Which direction should I look for the aurora in Burlington?
Face north (0°), toward the magnetic pole. That is where the aurora rises first. In a strong storm it can spread across the whole sky.
What time of night is best for the aurora in Burlington?
Activity often peaks around magnetic midnight, which falls near 12:05 AM local time in Burlington in December. The two hours either side are the best window.
When is aurora season in Burlington?
There is a dark sky every night of the year, so aurora season never closes in Burlington. Geomagnetic activity also tends to run higher around the March and September equinoxes.