City
Seeing the northern lights from Saskatoon
Saskatoon sits at 59.3° magnetic latitude, just south of the usual auroral oval. A Kp of about 1.3 brings aurora into view low on the northern horizon, and about 3.5 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 Saskatoon
- Kp 7G3 strong storm: aurora overhead from Saskatoon
- Kp 5G1 minor storm: aurora overhead from Saskatoon
- Kp 3Unsettled: aurora on the horizon from Saskatoon
- Kp 1Quiet: aurora not in view from Saskatoon
Questions about the aurora in Saskatoon
Can you see the northern lights in Saskatoon?
Yes, on active nights. You need a Kp of about 1.3 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 Saskatoon?
About Kp 1.3 for aurora on the northern horizon and about Kp 3.5 for aurora overhead. These come from Saskatoon's magnetic latitude of 59.3°.
Which direction should I look for the aurora in Saskatoon?
Face north (10°), 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 Saskatoon?
Activity often peaks around magnetic midnight, which falls near 1:40 AM local time in Saskatoon in December. The two hours either side are the best window.
When is aurora season in Saskatoon?
The dark-sky season runs from July to May. Geomagnetic activity also tends to run higher around the March and September equinoxes.