Aurora Tonight
UK forecast › Northern Ireland

Northern lights Northern Ireland tonight

Northern Ireland sits at ~54°N magnetic latitude. Kp 5-6 brings aurora within range. From the Antrim coast or Sperrin Mountains on a clear night, a storm of this strength produces a visible display.

Aurora visibility — Northern Ireland

Unlikely tonight

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

Current Kp

1

of 9

Threshold for Northern Ireland: Kp 5-6 Magnetic latitude: ~54°N Updated: 10 May, 11:09 UTC

What Kp is needed here?

Northern Ireland sits at a magnetic latitude of approximately 54°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 Northern Ireland 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 Northern Ireland

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

Torr Head, County Antrim

The north-east tip of the Antrim coast. Open northern view across the North Channel toward Scotland. Minimal light pollution in the northward direction.

Mourne Mountains, County Down

The dark, open moorland of the Mournes gives excellent skies on all sides. Higher peaks offer views over Belfast's light dome to the north.

Strangford Lough shores

The west shore of the lough between Downpatrick and Killinchy faces north over open water. Very low local light pollution away from main settlements.

Sperrin Mountains AONB

High moorland spanning the Derry-Tyrone border. Some of the darkest skies in Northern Ireland with open northern horizons from the main summits.

Ards Peninsula, County Down

Flat peninsula with low light pollution and open sea views north and east. Millisle and the north tip of the peninsula are accessible viewing spots.

Other UK aurora forecasts

UK overview Scotland Wales Newcastle

Related pages

Northern Lights UK

Live aurora forecast hub for all UK regions.

Northern Lights Scotland

Scotland is the nearest high-latitude region for comparison.

Northern Lights Wales Tonight

Aurora forecast for Wales - similar Kp threshold to Northern Ireland.

Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights

Dark sites, timing, and practical preparation.

What Is the Kp Index?

How the geomagnetic scale works and what Kp 5 means for Ulster.

Common questions

Aurora visibility from Northern Ireland - where to go and what to expect.

Can you see the northern lights from Northern Ireland?
Yes, during moderate to strong geomagnetic storms. Northern Ireland sits at around 54°N magnetic latitude - the same band as Newcastle and northern England. Kp 5-6 is usually needed for a display visible from a dark site. During the May 2024 Kp 8-9 event, aurora was visible across Northern Ireland including from Belfast.
Where is the best place to see aurora in Northern Ireland?
The north Antrim coast - particularly around Torr Head and Cushendun - gives an unobstructed northern view with low light pollution. The Sperrin Mountains offer genuinely dark skies inland. The Mourne Mountains in the south are excellent for dark skies but face south from their highest points, so find a north-facing slope.
What Kp is needed for aurora in Northern Ireland?
Kp 5 is the practical minimum. At Kp 5, aurora may be visible as a faint arc on the northern horizon from a dark site with a clear sky. Kp 6 gives a reliable display. During major storms (Kp 7+), aurora is visible much more broadly across the province.
How often does aurora occur in Northern Ireland?
Several times per year during solar maximum, but clear skies are needed simultaneously, which reduces the actual number of successful viewing nights. A realistic expectation during an active solar period is 3-6 sightings per year from a dark site with good weather luck.
Can I see aurora from Belfast?
Only during significant storms (Kp 7+). Belfast's light pollution masks all but the strongest displays. The north-facing hills above the city - Cave Hill, Black Mountain - give better skies than the centre. For reliable viewing at lower Kp, drive north along the Antrim coast.