Northern lights in Maine: can you see them, and tonight's chances

How strong a storm each city in Maine 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 Maine the level ranges from Kp 6.2 (G2) in Bangor to Kp 6.4 (G3) in Portland.

City	Geomagnetic latitude	Aurora usually needs
Bangor	54°	Kp 6.2 (G2)
Augusta	53.5°	Kp 6.3 (G2)
Portland	52.8°	Kp 6.4 (G3)

How these levels are worked out: our methods.

How often you can see the aurora in Maine

Maine is one of two places NOAA uses as examples of where minor geomagnetic storms are commonly seen, and minor storms happen on hundreds of days per solar cycle. Northern Maine therefore gets chances on many clear, dark nights during active periods, though the Park Service at Katahdin Woods and Waters notes that seeing the aurora is still rare. The coast and southern Maine usually need a stronger storm. The table above shows each city’s level and how tonight’s forecast compares.

Where to watch

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument: an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. The Park Service says its far northeastern location sometimes offers a chance to see the aurora, and the monument has no commercial power sources across its 87,000 acres. Its night-sky page shows a starry view over the Lunksoos picnic area near the East Branch of the Penobscot River.
Aroostook County: Visit Maine points to “the County” for its small towns, wide wilderness and low light pollution, and notes that the farther north you go, the better your odds.
AMC Maine Woods: Visit Maine notes the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Woods property is a certified International Dark Sky Park, the first in New England.

Notable sightings

In its 2024 climate summary, the National Weather Service office in Caribou noted that a very strong geomagnetic storm made vivid auroras visible in many areas of northern and eastern Maine on the nights of May 10 to 12, 2024. Visit Maine’s advice held on nights like those: the farther north you go, the better your odds.

Tips for Maine

Choose a north-facing field or lake. Northern Maine’s forests block the low northern sky. Open farm fields and the north shores of big lakes give open horizons.
Watch the clouds. The Park Service notes that clear skies are needed, since clouds hide even an active aurora.
Stay through midnight. NOAA says the best aurora usually comes within an hour or two of midnight.
Mind the moon. Check the moon phase; a bright moon hides faint aurora.

Local resources

See certified dark-sky places and read how to see the northern lights. Neighbor: New Hampshire.

Dark-sky places near Portland

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

AMC Maine Woods (International Dark Sky Park, 2021): 134 miles N of Portland.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (International Dark Sky Sanctuary, 2020): 168 miles NE of Portland.

Questions and answers

Can you see the northern lights in Portland, Maine?

During stronger storms, yes, though the city's light hides faint displays. Drive inland or north to a spot with an open view of the northern sky.

Can you see the aurora from Acadia National Park?

Sometimes, during stronger storms. Visit Maine calls the park's Milky Way view exceptional, but Acadia sits farther south than northern Maine, so it needs more activity. A spot with an open view north, away from Bar Harbor's lights, works best.

What is the best time of year in Maine?

NOAA says activity tends to rise near the March and September equinoxes. Long nights from fall through early spring also give you more dark hours to watch.

Northern lights in Maine

Tonight's northern lights forecast