Where Are Northern Lights Visible Tonight? (Global Leaderboard)
The question isn’t just “Where are they?” — it is “Where can I actually see them?”
Most websites just show you a green overlay on a map. This is misleading. A map doesn’t tell you if it is currently raining in Reykjavik, or if there is heavy fog in Tromsø, or if the sun is still up in Fairbanks. You could travel to the “perfect” spot on the map and see absolutely nothing but grey clouds.
To solve this, we developed the ACCI (Aurora Contrast & Clarity Index).
This proprietary algorithm runs a real-time competition between the world’s top Aurora Capitals. It fuses space weather data with hyper-local atmospheric data to tell you exactly where the viewing conditions are best right now.
The 3 Pillars of Visibility (How We Calculate This)
To see the Northern Lights, you need a “Triple Lock” of conditions. If even one of these is missing, you will not see the show.
1. The Energy Source (Hemispheric Power)
We monitor the Total Hemispheric Power (GW). This measures the sheer volume of electricity hitting the atmosphere.
- Below 15 GW: The aurora is weak and thin. You need to be directly under the oval (high latitudes) to see it.
- Above 50 GW: The aurora is roaring. It expands South and becomes brighter, capable of burning through light pollution.
2. The “Invisible” Blocker (Atmospheric Visibility)
This is the metric most apps ignore. You can have 0% clouds and still see nothing. Why? Mist, Haze, and Fog.
If the atmospheric visibility drops below 5km, the air itself becomes thick. The aurora light scatters, turning into a muddy grey soup. Our ACCI score heavily penalizes locations with low visibility, even if they report “clear skies.”
3. The Cloud Layering
Not all clouds are created equal.
- Low Clouds (Cumulus): These are thick and opaque. They block 100% of the view.
- High Clouds (Cirrus): These are thin and wispy. You can often see bright auroras through them. They act like a soft diffusion filter.
Our algorithm distinguishes between these layers, giving a better score to locations with only high clouds compared to those with low clouds.
Strategic Advice: What To Do With This Data
If your location has a High Score (>70):
Don’t wait. Go out immediately. These conditions (Clear air + Active Solar Wind) are fleeting. Look North, and if you don’t see anything with your eyes, try taking a test photo with your phone (Night Mode ON).
If your location has a Low Score (<30):
Check the “Reason” in the dashboard.
– If it says “Blocked by Clouds,” you need to drive. Look for a “hole” in the cloud map.
– If it says “Solar Activity Low,” be patient. Wait for a “Substorm” (a sudden burst of activity) which can happen even on quiet nights.
– If it says “Daylight,” go get some coffee. You need to wait for Nautical Twilight.
