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Northern lights Antrim tonight

Antrim is home to a designated Dark Sky Park on the plateau above the Glens. At ~55°N magnetic latitude, Kp 5-6 is the threshold. The elevated moorland gives north-facing views toward Scotland across the North Channel.

Aurora visibility — Antrim

Unlikely tonight

Kp 1 is well below the Kp 5-6 threshold needed for aurora to be visible from Antrim.

Current Kp

1

of 9

Threshold for Antrim: Kp 5-6 Magnetic latitude: ~55°N Updated: 10 May, 11:04 UTC

What Kp is needed here?

Antrim sits at a magnetic latitude of approximately 55°N. The Kp index - a global measure of geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme storm), updated every 3 hours - needs to reach Kp 5-6 before the auroral oval expands far enough south to be visible from here.

At Kp 5-6, visibility is possible from Antrim but skies need to be clear and dark. Cloud cover and light pollution remain the main obstacles even when Kp is high enough.

Best dark sky sites near Antrim

Light pollution is the biggest obstacle after cloud cover. These sites give you the best dark northern horizon within reach.

Antrim Plateau Dark Sky Park

A designated Dark Sky Park covering the Antrim hills and glens above the Causeway Coast. The plateau gives Bortle 3-4 conditions across a large area with open north-facing views toward Scotland. One of the best aurora sites in Northern Ireland.

Glenariff Forest Park

The "Queen of the Glens" - the largest of the Antrim Glens. The upper forest and plateau above Glenariff give elevated north-facing sky access within the Dark Sky Park designation. Forest car parks give night access.

Trostan summit

The highest point on the Antrim Plateau at 550 m. Open moorland with 360-degree views and north-facing sky over the North Channel toward Scotland. Accessible via minor roads from Cushendall.

Lough Neagh north shore

The north shore of Lough Neagh between Antrim town and Toome gives open water views facing north across the lough. Dark agricultural land with minimal development on the north shore. About 20 minutes from Antrim town.

Other UK aurora forecasts

UK overview Northern Ireland Belfast Derry

Related pages

Northern Lights UK

Live aurora forecast hub for all UK regions.

Northern Lights Northern Ireland Tonight

Northern Ireland-wide aurora forecast.

Northern Lights Belfast Tonight

Belfast is south with Cave Hill and the Mourne Mountains.

Northern Lights Derry Tonight

Derry is west with the Sperrin Mountains and Atlantic coast.

What Is the Kp Index?

What Kp 5-6 means for viewing at 55°N magnetic latitude.

Common questions

Antrim Plateau Dark Sky Park and aurora watching in Northern Ireland.

Is the Antrim Plateau a Dark Sky Park?
Yes. The Antrim Plateau is a designated Dark Sky Park, one of the highest-quality sky sites in Northern Ireland. The plateau above the Glens of Antrim gives Bortle 3-4 conditions with open north-facing views toward Scotland across the North Channel. It is actively managed to protect sky darkness.
What Kp is needed for aurora in Antrim?
Kp 5-6 from the Antrim Plateau and the Glens of Antrim. The area sits at ~55°N magnetic latitude - slightly higher than Belfast - giving a marginally lower threshold. At Kp 5 a display is possible from the elevated dark plateau; at Kp 6 it becomes active and colourful.
Where exactly should I go on the Antrim Plateau for aurora?
Glenariff Forest Park in the upper glen gives access within the designated dark sky area. The road above Glenaan toward Trostan summit gives elevated moorland positions at over 400 m. The Cushendall and Cushendun area on the coast gives sea horizon views toward Scotland with the plateau behind blocking southern light.
How far is the Antrim Dark Sky Park from Belfast?
About 45-60 minutes from Belfast along the A2 Causeway Coastal Route and then up into the Glens. The plateau above Glenariff is about 50 minutes via Larne. The scenic coastal route adds time but the glens are very accessible from Antrim town and Ballymena.
Can you see aurora from Antrim town itself?
During strong events (Kp 6-7+), aurora is visible from the outskirts of Antrim town and the north shore of Lough Neagh. The lough gives an open north-facing horizon that reduces the light dome effect. For reliable Kp 5 viewing, drive 30-40 minutes north to the plateau above the Glens.