Moderate Activity 🌔 95% Updated live

Aurora Forecast for
Orkney Tonight

Real-time northern lights conditions for Orkney, Scotland, United Kingdom. Latitude 59°N · Magnetic latitude 61°N

Quick Summary:Tonight’s Northern Lights forecast for Orkney shows a 6% visibility chance based on the Kp 3 geomagnetic forecast. Clear sky is still required, with current cloud cover estimated at 57%. The best viewing window is 22:30 to 01:30. Low aurora probability in Orkney tonight. Check back tomorrow for updated conditions.

Aurora Probability

6%

Low Likelihood

Chance of visible aurora tonight

Best Time

22:30

– 01:30

Optimal viewing window

Kp Index

3

Moderate

Planetary geomagnetic activity

Cloud Cover

57%

Overcast

Current sky visibility

Aurora

Tonight's Verdict

Low aurora probability in Orkney tonight. Check back tomorrow for updated conditions.

🌔 Warning: Bright moonlight (95%) may reduce aurora visibility.

Hourly Forecast

00
00:00 — 5%
01:00 — 5%
02:00 — 5%
03:00 — 5%
04:00 — 5%
05:00 — 5%
06
06:00 — 5%
07:00 — 5%
08:00 — 5%
09:00 — 5%
10:00 — 5%
11:00 — 5%
12
12:00 — 5%
13:00 — 5%
14:00 — 5%
15:00 — 5%
16:00 — 5%
17:00 — 5%
18
18:00 — 5%
19:00 — 5%
20:00 — 5%
21:00 — 5%
22:00 — 5%
23:00 — 5%
00:00 06:00 12:00 18:00 23:00
Time (UTC)Aurora probability (%)
00:005%
01:005%
02:005%
03:005%
04:005%
05:005%
06:005%
07:005%
08:005%
09:005%
10:005%
11:005%
12:005%
13:005%
14:005%
15:005%
16:005%
17:005%
18:005%
19:005%
20:005%
21:005%
22:005%
23:005%

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Jun 28

Kp Index •••
Probability •••
Cloud Cover •••

Jun 29

Kp Index •••
Probability •••
Cloud Cover •••

Jun 30

Kp Index •••
Probability •••
Cloud Cover •••

About Aurora Viewing in Orkney

Located at 59°N, Orkney is a great location for aurora viewing. Typically, the northern lights become visible here when geomagnetic activity hits Kp 4+. The most active hours are usually between 10 PM and 2 AM local time. Remember to check local cloud coverage and find a location away from city lights.

In Orkney, the aurora is affectionately known locally as the Merry Dancers.

Aurora Hunt provides real-time alerts, cloud cover maps, and aurora probability forecasts specifically for Orkney. Download the app to get notified when conditions are perfect for viewing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see aurora in Orkney tonight?
Aurora visibility in Orkney depends on geomagnetic activity (Kp index), cloud cover, and darkness. At 59.0°N latitude, Orkney typically needs a Kp index of 4+ for visible aurora. Check the real-time forecast above for tonight's conditions.
What time is best to see northern lights in Orkney?
The best time to see aurora in Orkney is typically between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, when skies are darkest. Aurora can appear any time after astronomical twilight, but peak activity usually occurs around local midnight.
Where to watch aurora in Orkney?
For the best aurora viewing in Orkney, find a location away from city light pollution with a clear view to the north. Dark areas outside the city center, elevated viewpoints, and spots near water are ideal. Check cloud cover before heading out.
What Kp index is needed to see aurora in Orkney?
Orkney is at 59.0°N latitude and typically requires a Kp index of 4+ for visible aurora. Higher Kp values mean stronger geomagnetic storms and better aurora visibility, even at lower latitudes.
Is Orkney, United Kingdom a good place to see northern lights?
Orkney is a great location for aurora viewing. Located at 59.0°N, it sits within the auroral zone where northern lights are frequently visible during active periods.

Nearby Aurora Destinations

Aberdeen

57.1°N View →

Airdrie

55.9°N View →

Alexandria

56°N View →

Alloa

56.1°N View →

Alness

57.7°N View →

Alnwick

55.4°N View →

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