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Northern lights in Indiana

Yes, during strong geomagnetic storms, and northern Indiana has the best odds. The Park Service says the aurora occasionally shines over Indiana Dunes National Park, where Lake Michigan opens the view north, and it shared a photo of the aurora there on October 10, 2024.

Tonight's northern lights forecast

Loading NOAA's Kp forecast…

How strong a storm each city in Indiana needs

The farther a place is from the magnetic pole, the stronger the geomagnetic storm needed to push the aurora into view. These levels come from each city's geomagnetic latitude and NOAA's storm scale, which says how far south aurora is usually seen at each level. They are for aurora low on the northern horizon from a dark spot; overhead displays need more. Across Indiana the level ranges from Kp 6.9 (G3) in South Bend to Kp 7.6 (G4) in Evansville.

CityGeomagnetic latitudeAurora usually needsTonight
South Bend50.5°Kp 6.9 (G3)
Gary50.4°Kp 6.9 (G3)
Fort Wayne50°Kp 7 (G3)
Kokomo49.3°Kp 7.1 (G3)
Noblesville48.9°Kp 7.2 (G3)
Lafayette49.2°Kp 7.2 (G3)
Muncie49.1°Kp 7.2 (G3)
Indianapolis48.6°Kp 7.3 (G3)
Terre Haute48.3°Kp 7.3 (G3)
Bloomington48°Kp 7.4 (G4)
Columbus48.1°Kp 7.4 (G4)
Evansville46.8°Kp 7.6 (G4)

How these levels are worked out: our methods.

How often you can see the aurora in Indiana

Indiana lies at about the same latitude as Illinois, NOAA’s example for where strong storms bring the aurora. Northern Indiana gets chances during strong storms, which happen on roughly 130 days per 11-year solar cycle. Central and southern Indiana usually need a severe or extreme storm. The table above shows each city’s level against tonight’s forecast.

Where to watch

  • Indiana Dunes National Park: the Park Service says the aurora occasionally shines over the park. Lake Michigan gives an open horizon to the north. Kemil Beach and its parking lot stay open 24 hours a day for night visits.
  • Beverly Shores: next to Kemil Beach. The Park Service notes it was the seventh International Dark Sky Community designated in the world.
  • Rural northern Indiana: open farmland away from South Bend, Fort Wayne and the Chicago-area glow.

Notable sightings

  • October 10, 2024: the Park Service shared a photo of the aurora over Kemil Beach at Indiana Dunes.
  • May 10 and October 10, 2024: the National Weather Service in Paducah, whose area includes southwest Indiana, listed both as rare aurora sightings.
  • October 24, 2011: the National Weather Service in Indianapolis posted a photo of the aurora from West Lafayette in central Indiana.

Tips for Indiana

  • Use the lakeshore. Indiana’s Lake Michigan shore faces north, a rare advantage. The Park Service says the lake keeps the sky near the shore much darker than the surrounding area, though nearby towns make some parts of the park darker than others.
  • Watch lake-effect clouds. From late fall into winter, cold air crossing the open water of the Great Lakes can build narrow cloud and snow bands downwind, as the National Weather Service explains.
  • Avoid city light domes. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and the Chicago metro all brighten the sky.
  • Use your camera. A phone photo often reveals color when the eye sees only a gray glow.

Local resources

Browse certified dark-sky places and read how to see the northern lights. Neighbors: Michigan and Illinois.

Dark-sky places near Indianapolis

Certified dark-sky places are among the best spots to watch for aurora: little light pollution and, often, open views to the north.

Questions and answers

Can you see the northern lights in Indianapolis?

During severe or extreme storms, yes, though city lights hide much of it. Drive out to dark farmland with an open view north.

Is Indiana Dunes open at night?

The National Park Service says Kemil Beach and its parking lot are open 24 hours a day so visitors can experience the park at night. Check the park's site for any changes.

Can southern Indiana see the aurora?

Yes, during the biggest storms. The National Weather Service in Paducah, whose forecast area includes southwest Indiana, noted two rare aurora sightings, on May 10 and October 10, 2024.

Other states

Sources