Phenomena Atlas · Forecast desk
The forecast desk
Storm forecasts age in minutes, so we don't reprint them. Every card opens the live NOAA SWPC product itself — freshness stays where it belongs.
The model map of aurora probability over North America for the next 30–90 minutes — the check-before-you-step-outside view.
Open the live NOAA productTonightNOAA's view-line maps for tonight and tomorrow night — how far south the aurora might be visible, updated as the forecast moves.
Open the live NOAA productNext 3 daysThe planetary Kp index forecast in 3-hour blocks for the next three days — match the peak blocks against the Kp ladder below.
Open the live NOAA productThis monthThe month-scale outlook — recurring coronal-hole streams return on the Sun's ~27-day rotation, so active windows often echo four weeks later.
Open the live NOAA productClear skies required — no forecast can promise a sighting.
The Kp ladder
“For Kp in the range 0 to 2, the aurora will be far north, quite dim in intensity, and not very active.”
“For Kp in the range of 3 to 5, the aurora will move further from the poles, it will become brighter and there will be more auroral activity (motion and formations). If you are in the right place, these aurora can be quite pleasing to look at.”
“For Kp in the range 6 to 7, the aurora will move even further from the poles and will become quite bright and active. At this geomagnetic activity level, it might be possible to see the aurora from the northern edge of the United States.”
“For Kp in the range 8 to 9, the aurora will move even further towards the equator and it will become very bright and very active. These are the events that create the best aurora and the extended auroral oval will be observable by the most people. At these levels, aurora may be seen directly overhead from the northern states of the USA.”
“At Kp = 0, the equator ward edge of the auroral oval is approximately 66 degrees. And it moves equatorward about 2 degrees for each level of Kp.” — in geomagnetic latitude, not geographic. And SWPC's own caveat rides along: “It should be noted that the relationship between Kp and auroral latitude are approximate and represent averages. There will be times when these relationships do not hold up exactly.”
The basecamp board
Seven agency-cited northern-tier spots, tiered by what their own sources say — never by numbers we made up. Every one names its nearest RV base.
Interior Alaska sits almost directly under the auroral oval (NPS) — the most reliable aurora region in the US.
Season: Dark-sky season mid-August to mid-April (skies are too bright in June–July)
RV base: Riley Creek Campground, Denali NP
Certified International Dark Sky Park on the Canadian border — among the lower 48's best-placed dark skies.
Season: Best in winter; visible only on dark, clear nights
RV base: Woodenfrog Campground, Kabetogama State Forest (MN DNR)
Certified dark-sky park where the NPS frames aurora as a strong-night event — dark enough to catch it when Kp runs high.
Season: Best in winter, on new-moon / dark nights
RV base: St. Mary Campground, Glacier NP (RVs, motorhomes, trailers allowed)
The largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world (USFS), on the same border latitudes as Voyageurs.
Season: September through March, best November–March, around 10 PM–2 AM
RV base: Superior National Forest campgrounds near Ely (USFS)
Water's-edge dark-sky park on the Straits of Mackinac; sightings lean on stronger geomagnetic nights.
The park itself cites roughly Kp 4 or higher for sightings here.
Season: Best around the seasonal transitions — April, October and November
RV base: Wilderness State Park (MI DNR), near Mackinaw City
New England's darkest skies — the registry's own framing: an occasional, latitude-dependent show.
Season: Fall through winter (an equinox boost in September–October)
RV base: Aroostook State Park campground, near Presque Isle (Maine BPL)
The NPS frames aurora over the badlands as occasional — a strong-storm target with certified-dark backdrops.
Season: Dark, clear, new-moon nights (fall–winter); aurora is occasional
RV base: Cottonwood Campground, South Unit (near Medora)
Kp descriptions quoted verbatim from NOAA SWPC's aurora viewing guidance; product links verified July 17, 2026. Basecamp facts carry their NPS / USFS / state sources. Aurora depends on geomagnetic activity and clear, dark skies — it is never guaranteed, and this page never pretends to be a live feed.
