City
Seeing the northern lights from Calgary
Calgary sits at 57.4° magnetic latitude, just south of the usual auroral oval. A Kp of about 2.2 brings aurora into view low on the northern horizon, and about 4.4 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.
The dark-sky season runs from July to May. 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 Calgary
- Kp 7G3 strong storm: aurora overhead from Calgary
- Kp 5G1 minor storm: aurora overhead from Calgary
- Kp 3Unsettled: aurora on the horizon from Calgary
- Kp 1Quiet: aurora not in view from Calgary
Questions about the aurora in Calgary
Can you see the northern lights in Calgary?
Yes, on active nights. You need a Kp of about 2.2 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 Calgary?
About Kp 2.2 for aurora on the northern horizon and about Kp 4.4 for aurora overhead. These come from Calgary's magnetic latitude of 57.4°.
Which direction should I look for the aurora in Calgary?
Face north-northeast (11°), 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 Calgary?
Activity often peaks around magnetic midnight, which falls near 2:10 AM local time in Calgary in December. The two hours either side are the best window.
When is aurora season in Calgary?
The dark-sky season runs from July to May. Geomagnetic activity also tends to run higher around the March and September equinoxes.