What Kp index do I need to see the northern lights in Ely?

Ely sits at a magnetic latitude of about 56.6 degrees, which generally becomes naked-eye visible around Kp 5 or higher. Camera visibility with a long exposure typically starts at a somewhat lower Kp than naked-eye visibility.

Northern Lights Forecast

Aurora Forecast Tonight: Ely, Minnesota

Q: Will I see the aurora in Ely tonight?

It depends on tonight's real geomagnetic activity (the Kp index) and whether the sky over Ely is actually clear. Aurora Forecast Tonight combines both live, updated for Ely's exact coordinates, rather than relying on the Kp index alone.

Live visibility odds for Ely, combining the current geomagnetic Kp index with real local cloud cover, not just one or the other.

Tonight's chance of seeing aurora

11%

Camera only (long exposure)

LocationEly, Minnesota

Geomagnetic Forecast · NOAA / NASA

Magnetic latitude56.6°

Confirmed Kp right nowKp 2.0

Weather Forecast · NWS (US)

Clear-sky estimate81% clear skies

For entertainment purposes only, not a guarantee of visibility. Don't plan travel or spending around this number alone.

About aurora viewing in Ely

Ely is the main gateway town into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, over a million acres of protected, roadless lake country with some of the darkest skies remaining in the continental US.

Where locals actually go

Most Boundary Waters viewing happens from a canoe or a lakeshore campsite well past the edge of town; paddling out even a short distance from Ely puts you under genuinely dark sky, with the aurora often reflected on still water.

Best time of year

The Boundary Waters is remote by design, so plan around permit requirements and access points rather than a single fixed viewing spot.

Will I see the aurora in Ely tonight?

Right now, Ely has a 11% chance based on tonight's real conditions: Kp 2.0 and 81% clear skies. Camera only (long exposure). This updates live, so check back closer to dark for the most accurate read, especially if the sky is currently cloudy where you are.

Save Ely to Your Account →

A good Kp forecast isn't the whole story. See what else actually determines whether you'll see it →

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