aurora visibility now
Unlikely
Kp 2.3 (Low) — need Kp 9+ here
Kp now 2.3 need 9+
Clouds 8% Clear
Sky Dark visibility
Tonight in Nelson: Aurora is unlikely in Nelson right now. Current Kp is 2.3, below the local Kp 9+ threshold. AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness for this location and sends a free alert when a better viewing window opens.
Will Nelson light up tonight? Get a free alert before the best viewing window opens.
Why this forecast?
Aurora Zone
Higher Aurora Zone = better aurora visibility. Your location's Aurora Zone determines how often auroras appear overhead.
Status Levels:
PerfectAbove 62.0° - Excellent aurora visibility (daily activity)
Good56.0° - 62.0° - Good aurora visibility (regular storms)
Acceptable50.0° - 56.0° - Fair aurora visibility (strong storms only)
LowBelow 50.0° - Poor aurora visibility (extreme storms)
Aurora Zone
Low 44.5°
Kp index
Kp measures global magnetic disturbance. Higher Kp = stronger auroras visible at lower latitudes.
Status Levels:
StormKp 6-9 - Geomagnetic storm, strong auroras
GoodKp 3-6 - Moderate activity, good conditions
LowKp 1-3 - Low activity, weak auroras
Very QuietKp 0-1 - Very quiet, minimal auroras
Kp index
Low 2.3
Cloud Cover Impact
Clear skies are essential for aurora viewing. Clouds block your view of the northern lights. The percentage shows cloud coverage (0-25% = clear, 85%+ = overcast).
Status Levels:
ClearClear (0-25%) - Perfect for aurora viewing
Partly CloudyPartly Cloudy (26-50%) - May partially block view
CloudyCloudy (51-85%) - Significantly blocks aurora
OvercastOvercast (85%+) - Blocks aurora completely
Cloud Cover Impact
☀️ Clear
Moonlight
Bright moonlight can wash out faint auroras. New moon provides the darkest skies for optimal viewing.
Status Levels:
New MoonDarkest skies - Best for faint auroras
CrescentDim moonlight - Good for viewing
QuarterModerate moonlight - May wash out weak auroras
GibbousBright moonlight - Reduces aurora visibility
Full MoonVery bright - Only strong auroras visible
Moonlight
🌒 Crescent 11%
Darkness
Darker skies are essential for aurora viewing. The sun must be below the horizon for auroras to be visible.
Status Levels:
NightDarkest conditions - Optimal for auroras
Astronomical TwilightDark enough - Good aurora viewing
Nautical TwilightGetting darker - Weak auroras may appear
DaylightSun is above horizon - No aurora visible
Darkness
Astronomical Twilight
Forecast
Scan the next hours here. The free app watches the longer window and sends alerts when conditions improve.
Time
Kp
Visibility
18.05, Today
21:00
2.3
Unlikely
22:00
2.3
Unlikely
23:00
2.3
Unlikely
00:00
2.0
Unlikely
01:00
2.0
Unlikely
02:00
2.0
Unlikely
03:00
5.0
Unlikely
06:00
4.0
Unlikely
09:00
3.3
Unlikely
19.05, Tomorrow
12:00
4.3
Unlikely
15:00
5.3
Unlikely
18:00
3.7
Unlikely
21:00
2.7
Unlikely
00:00
2.0
Unlikely
03:00
2.0
Unlikely
06:00
3.0
Unlikely
09:00
3.3
Unlikely
20.05, Wednesday
12:00
2.3
Unlikely
15:00
2.3
Unlikely
18:00
2.0
Unlikely
21:00
2.0
Unlikely
00:00
2.0
Unlikely
03:00
2.0
Unlikely
06:00
2.0
Unlikely
09:00
2.0
Unlikely
21.05, Thursday
12:00
2.7
Unlikely
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Aurora is Rare in Nelson — But Not Impossible
Kp 9+ needed to see aurora here
0 possible aurora nights in the next 27 days
Aurora Australis Viewing in Nelson
Nelson sits at 44.5° magnetic latitude, which means aurora typically becomes visible when the Kp index reaches 9+. Aurora sightings in Nelson require stronger geomagnetic storms (Kp 9+), which occur a few times per year. When storms do hit, the best viewing window is 10 PM to 2 AM local time under clear, dark skies.
Cloud cover is the most common reason people miss aurora even during strong storms. AuroraMe combines the Kp index with real-time cloud forecasts, moon phase, and darkness data to give you a single visibility status — so you know whether it's worth going outside tonight.
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Planning a trip? See the best months for Nelson → • Northern lights tonight — all cities →
Learn More About the Aurora Australis
- How to See the Northern Lights — Beginner's Guide
- How to Photograph the Northern Lights
- Kp Index Explained — What It Means for Aurora
- Best Time to See the Northern Lights
- Geomagnetic Storms Explained — G1–G5 Scale
- Best Aurora Forecast Apps (Free & Paid)
- Aurora Viewing Checklist — Everything to Pack
- Aurora Australis — Southern Lights Guide
Aurora Australis in Nelson: Quick Guide
Minimum Kp Needed
8.0+
Viewing Frequency
extremely rare
Current Kp Index
2.3
How often can you see northern lights in Nelson?
Based on its magnetic latitude of <strong>44.5°</strong>, aurora viewing in Nelson is <strong>extremely rare (visible only during exceptional geomagnetic storms)</strong>. We are currently near solar maximum (2024-2025), so expect higher-than-average activity.
Best viewing season: March to September, with peak activity during equinoxes (March and September).
What Kp index do I need to see aurora in Nelson?
For Nelson, you need a minimum Kp index of <strong>8.0</strong> for aurora to be visible. This threshold is calculated based on the city's magnetic latitude (44.5°).
Higher Kp values produce brighter, more active displays:
- Kp 8.0-9.0: Faint aurora visible in dark skies
- Kp 9.0-10.0: Moderate aurora with dancing patterns
- Kp 10.0+: Strong, colorful displays visible even with some light pollution
Current Kp index: 2.3
Where should I look for aurora in Nelson?
Watch the southern horizon for aurora during strong geomagnetic storms.
For best results, seek locations with minimal light pollution and unobstructed views of the sky. From Nelson, aurora typically remains closer to the horizon, so elevated viewing locations help.
Can I see northern lights tonight in Nelson?
Unlikely: Aurora unlikely tonight with Kp 2.3 (below 8.0 threshold for Nelson). Enable alerts to catch future opportunities.
Real-time conditions: 7.8% cloud cover, aurora probability 0%. Check the live forecast above for the latest updates.
Traveling? Track multiple locations easily
Compare aurora chances across cities and get alerts for all your planned destinations.
For brighter shows consider Fairbanks , Yellowknife