The magic number is called the Kp-index. It’s a scale from 0 to 9. If it’s above a 5, you’re in for a treat.
But don’t just look at the number. Time is everything. The best hours are usually between 10 PM and 2 AM local time. That’s when Earth’s magnetic field tilts just right.
Set an alarm. Seriously. The lights are lazy performers—they don’t stick to a schedule. They’re like a cat that only shows up when you’re asleep.
Your Phone Is a Liar (Sort Of)
Your weather app doesn’t care about auroras. It only tells you if it’s cloudy. A clear sky is your first boss battle.
Use a dedicated aurora app instead. I recommend “My Aurora Forecast” or “Aurora Alerts.” They’re like a dating app, but for exploding colors in the sky.
Pro tip: Darkness matters more than you think. Even a full moon can wash out a weak aurora. You want a new moon and zero light pollution.
