Aurora Tonight
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Northern lights Yorkshire tonight

Yorkshire sits at ~53°N magnetic latitude. A G2 storm (Kp 6) brings the auroral oval into range. The North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales both have dark skies within reach of the main cities.

Aurora visibility — Yorkshire

Unlikely tonight

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

Current Kp

1

of 9

Threshold for Yorkshire: Kp 6 Magnetic latitude: ~53°N Updated: 10 May, 11:04 UTC

What Kp is needed here?

Yorkshire sits at a magnetic latitude of approximately 53°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 6 before the auroral oval expands far enough south to be visible from here.

At Kp 6, visibility is possible from Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire

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

North York Moors - Sutton Bank

High escarpment on the western edge of the North York Moors with a broad, open northern view. Bortle 3-4 skies on the plateau away from the A170.

Hole of Horcum

Open moorland depression on the A169 Pickering-Whitby road. Elevation helps, and the open sky and minimal settlement give good conditions.

Yorkshire Dales - Ingleborough area

The high limestone plateau around Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent gives altitude and open sky. Some of the darkest areas in the Yorkshire Dales.

Flamborough Head

East Yorkshire chalk headland. Open North Sea view facing north-east. No light pollution north of the headland. Accessible by road.

Barden Moor, Wharfedale

Open grouse moor south of the Yorkshire Dales. Accessible from the B6265. Lower altitude than the main Dales, but significantly darker than the main towns.

Other UK aurora forecasts

UK overview Newcastle Manchester Edinburgh

Related pages

Northern Lights UK

Live aurora forecast hub for all UK regions.

Northern Lights Newcastle Tonight

Newcastle sits one step north - visible at Kp 5-6.

Northern Lights Manchester Tonight

Manchester and Yorkshire share a similar Kp threshold.

Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights

Dark sites, timing, and what to look for on an active night.

What Is the Kp Index?

How to read Kp and what Kp 6 means in practice.

Common questions

Northern lights visibility across Yorkshire and the best spots to watch from.

Can you see the northern lights from Yorkshire?
Yes, during moderate to strong geomagnetic storms. Yorkshire sits at around 53-54°N magnetic latitude, which requires Kp 6 for aurora to reach. During the May 2024 storm (Kp 8-9), aurora was clearly visible across Yorkshire. At Kp 6, a green arc on the northern horizon from a dark moorland site is expected.
What is the minimum Kp for aurora in Yorkshire?
Kp 6 is the practical threshold. This corresponds to a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm. At this level, the auroral oval extends to roughly 55°N, with the southern edge reaching the Yorkshire latitude under favourable conditions.
Where is the best place to see the northern lights in Yorkshire?
The North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales give the best dark skies. Sutton Bank on the North York Moors has an accessible car park and a wide northern view. Flamborough Head on the east coast gives an open seaward view with minimal light to the north. The Dales plateau around Pen-y-ghent is more remote but genuinely dark.
Is aurora visible from York or Leeds?
Only during significant storms (Kp 7+). Both cities have strong light domes. From the outskirts and nearby villages, you have a better chance. For reliable viewing at Kp 6, plan to drive 30-45 minutes into the Moors or Dales.
How often does aurora occur in Yorkshire?
At Kp 6+, several times per year during solar maximum. But clear skies at the right time add a further constraint. In practice, 2-4 successful viewing nights per year from a good dark site is a reasonable expectation during active solar periods.