Low Activity 🌒 3% Updated live

Aurora Forecast for
Zion Tonight

Real-time northern lights conditions for Zion, Illinois, United States. Latitude 42.5°N · Magnetic latitude 47°N

Quick Summary:Tonight’s Northern Lights forecast for Zion shows a 5% visibility chance based on the Kp 2 geomagnetic forecast. Clear sky is still required, with current cloud cover estimated at 34%. The best viewing window is 23:00 to 01:00. Low aurora probability in Zion tonight. Check back tomorrow for updated conditions.

Aurora Probability

5%

Low Likelihood

Chance of visible aurora tonight

Best Time

23:00

– 01:00

Optimal viewing window

Kp Index

2

Low

Planetary geomagnetic activity

Cloud Cover

34%

Partly cloudy

Current sky visibility

Aurora

Tonight's Verdict

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

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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Jul 17

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

Jul 18

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

Jul 19

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

About Aurora Viewing in Zion

Sitting at a latitude of 42.5°N, Zion serves as a possible location for northern lights hunting. To see the aurora borealis from here, you'll generally need the Kp index to reach 6+. Head to a dark spot between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, and make sure the skies are clear.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see aurora in Zion tonight?
Aurora visibility in Zion depends on geomagnetic activity (Kp index), cloud cover, and darkness. At 42.5°N latitude, Zion typically needs a Kp index of 6+ for visible aurora. Check the real-time forecast above for tonight's conditions.
What time is best to see northern lights in Zion?
The best time to see aurora in Zion 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 Zion?
For the best aurora viewing in Zion, 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 Zion?
Zion is at 42.5°N latitude and typically requires a Kp index of 6+ for visible aurora. Higher Kp values mean stronger geomagnetic storms and better aurora visibility, even at lower latitudes.
Is Zion, United States a good place to see northern lights?
Zion can see aurora during strong geomagnetic storms. Located at 42.5°N, aurora is visible when Kp index reaches 6+ or higher.

Nearby Aurora Destinations

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