Watch the magic of the Aurora Borealis in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada! Our accurate Aurora forecast predicts Northern Lights activity. Learn the best time to witness this celestial dance in Yellowknife’s night sky tonight.
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We want to improve the aurora forecast and would value your input. Please considering taking a moment to share your feedback with our quick survey: 2024 Yellowknife Aurora Forecast Survey
24-Hour Geomagnetic Activity Forecasts
The hourly range in geomagnetic activity, measured in nanoTeslas (nT), reflects the variations in the Earth’s magnetic field over a given hour. These variations are often caused by interactions between the Earth’s magnetic field and solar wind, which carries charged particles from the Sun. Higher nT values indicate stronger geomagnetic disturbances, which correlate with a higher likelihood of observing the aurora borealis.
The forecast is produced by Space Weather Canada for the Yellowknife (YKC) Magnetic Observatory and the date and times are adjusted from UTC to the local time in Yellowknife.
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Auroral Zone Forecast
The forecast is produced by Space Weather Canada for the Auroral Zone and the date and times are adjusted from UTC to the local time in Yellowknife.
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3-Day Kp-indices Forecasts
High Latitude Kp-indices Forecast
Yellowknife is above 60° magnetic latitude which is a high latitude in the auroral oval which is why we use the high latitude Kp-indices forecast provided by NOAA SWPC. These values show the predicted geomagnetic activity levels for every 3-hour interval over the next three days, adjusted from UTC to the local time in Yellowknife.
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Aurora FAQ
Which time offers the best visibility for Northern Lights?
The best time to view the Northern Lights in Yellowknife is around local midnight when the skies are typically the darkest, providing optimal visibility.
When is the best period to visit Yellowknife to see Northern Lights?
The ideal period to visit Yellowknife for Northern Lights viewing is typically from mid-November to early April when the nights are longer and darker, providing optimal conditions for observing the auroras.
Are Northern Lights a nightly occurrence in Yellowknife?
No, the Northern Lights are not a nightly occurrence in Yellowknife; their visibility depends on solar activity and atmospheric conditions.
Can aurora be observed without a camera or optical aid?
Yes, the aurora can be observed in Yellowknife with the naked eye under clear, dark skies, without the need for a camera or optical aid.
What is the rarest hue of Northern Lights?
The rarest hue of Northern Lights is pink, often seen at the lower edges of the aurora and caused by a high level of nitrogen in the atmosphere.
How regularly do auroras occur in Yellowknife?
Auroras occur quite frequently in Yellowknife, especially during the aurora season from mid-November to early April.
Does Yellowknife experience 24-hour darkness?
Yellowknife experiences very short days (but not complete 24-hour darkness) during the winter months, specifically around the December solstice.
What is the Auroral Zone?
Aurora zones, essential for geomagnetic forecasts, are regions categorized into three main types based on geomagnetic latitude: sub-auroral, auroral, and polar cap. Yellowknife is roughly in the center of the auroral zone.
For the benefit of those users who need to relate to the Kp index, we provide the following equivalences, which apply to all three of the zones used in our forecasts. In the diagram, the top layer indicates our forecast levels, the second and third layers indicate the Kp index and its subdivisions. It should be noted that the Kp index is defined for 3-hour intervals.
Activity level quiet is equivalent to Kp values from 0 to 3 minus
Activity level unsettled is equivalent to Kp values from 3 to 4 minus
Activity level active is equivalent to Kp values from 4 to 5 minus
Activity level stormy is equivalent to Kp values from 5 to 7
Activity level major storm is equivalent to Kp values from 7 plus to 9
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