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

How strong a storm each city in Ohio 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 Ohio the level ranges from Kp 6.9 (G3) in Cleveland to Kp 7.4 (G4) in Cincinnati.

City	Geomagnetic latitude	Aurora usually needs
Cleveland	50.5°	Kp 6.9 (G3)
Toledo	50.6°	Kp 6.9 (G3)
Lorain	50.4°	Kp 6.9 (G3)
Akron	50.1°	Kp 7 (G3)
Canton	49.8°	Kp 7 (G3)
Youngstown	50.1°	Kp 7 (G3)
Lima	49.7°	Kp 7.1 (G3)
Columbus	49°	Kp 7.2 (G3)
Springfield	48.9°	Kp 7.2 (G3)
Newark	49.1°	Kp 7.2 (G3)
Dayton	48.7°	Kp 7.3 (G3)
Middletown	48.4°	Kp 7.3 (G3)
Cincinnati	48.1°	Kp 7.4 (G4)

How these levels are worked out: our methods.

How often you can see the aurora in Ohio

Ohio lies at about the same geomagnetic latitude as Illinois, which NOAA’s scale uses as its example for strong storms. Northern and central Ohio get chances during strong storms, which happen on roughly 130 days per 11-year solar cycle. Southern Ohio usually needs a severe storm, which comes on about 60 days per cycle. The table above shows each city’s level against tonight’s forecast.

Where to watch

Lake Erie shoreline: Ohio’s coast faces north across the lake, giving a flat, open horizon. Beaches and parks away from Cleveland, Toledo and Sandusky work best.
Geauga Observatory Park: in Geauga County east of Cleveland, certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2011.

Notable sightings

During the May 10–11, 2024 storm, Cleveland 19 reported a spectacular show over Northeast Ohio. The lights seemed most intense between 10 and 11 p.m. The station noted that the aurora is usually not seen this far south.

Tips for Ohio

Watch lake-effect clouds. The National Weather Service explains that in late fall and winter, cold air crossing the Great Lakes builds narrow bands of cloud and snow, while skies a mile or two away can stay clear.
Avoid the big light domes. Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo and Akron each brighten a wide area.
Use your phone. At Ohio’s latitude the aurora is often faint to the eye and much brighter in a photo.
Look near midnight. NOAA says activity usually peaks within an hour or two of midnight, though big storms can start in the evening.

Local resources

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

Dark-sky places near Columbus

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

Fry Family Park (Urban Night Sky Place, 2021): 98 miles NE of Columbus.

Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Michigan state Dark Sky Preserve (statutory)): 144 miles NW of Columbus.

Geauga Observatory Park (International Dark Sky Park, 2011): 149 miles NE of Columbus.

Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park (International Dark Sky Park, 2019): 200 miles NW of Columbus.

Watoga State Park (International Dark Sky Park, 2021): 200 miles SE of Columbus.

Questions and answers

Can you see the northern lights in Columbus or Cincinnati?

During strong storms and bigger ones, sometimes. City lights hide fainter displays, so head out of town to a dark spot facing north.

Is the Lake Erie shore good for the northern lights?

Yes. Ohio's shoreline faces north across the lake, so you get a flat horizon with no hills or trees in the way. Pick a beach or park away from the Cleveland and Toledo lights.

What time did the May 2024 aurora peak in Ohio?

Cleveland 19 reported the lights seemed most intense between 10 and 11 p.m. on May 10 in Northeast Ohio.

Northern lights in Ohio

Tonight's northern lights forecast