Can you see the northern lights in Maine?
Yes, on active nights. In Presque Isle you need a Kp of about 5.8; in Portland, about 6.4. Seeing the aurora from southern Maine is G3 (Strong) territory on NOAA's storm scale, and NOAA counts about 130 days per 11-year solar cycle at that level. Our table below also marks a city "possible" when the forecast is within one Kp of what it needs — the aurora may show low on the northern horizon, and phone cameras often pick it up before your eyes do. Source: NOAA Space Weather Scales.
Northern lights tonight in Maine
Tonight (Thu Oct 8, 2026): forecast peak Kp 5.7 in Maine.
| City | Kp needed | Tonight's peak | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presque Isle, ME | 5.8 | 5.7 | Possible, low on the horizon |
| Bangor, ME | 6.2 | 5.7 | Possible, low on the horizon |
| Lewiston, ME | 6.3 | 5.7 | Possible, low on the horizon |
| Portland, ME | 6.4 | 5.7 | Possible, low on the horizon |
Space weather data from NOAA, updated . Refreshed every 5 minutes.
Kp needed comes from the NOAA Space Weather Scales, which give latitudes for Kp 6–9. Values for places north of about 55° geomagnetic latitude (including Alaska) are our extrapolation. NOAA notes that even at Kp 0 the edge of the auroral oval sits near 66° geomagnetic latitude, so interior Alaska can see aurora on quiet nights. How we calculate this.
Check your exact location: enter your ZIP code · get aurora alerts for Maine
Where to see the northern lights in Maine
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (Penobscot County, near Patten). Certified an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2020, the first International Dark Sky Place in Maine and New England. NPS reports a best sky-quality reading of 21.88 and describes some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi River. Named viewing spots include Lunksoos picnic area and Katahdin Overlook. Source
- AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park (Piscataquis County, 100-Mile Wilderness near Greenville). The Appalachian Mountain Club's Maine Woods property was announced as an International Dark Sky Park on May 18, 2021, the first in New England. AMC describes the region as among the darkest left on the East Coast and runs astronomy programs at its lodges. Source
- Acadia National Park (Hancock County, Mount Desert Island). NPS describes remarkably dark skies given the park's distance from Portland, Boston and New York, and lists Cadillac Summit, Seawall, Jordan Pond, Ocean Path and Sand Beach for stargazing. Several of these are coastal with open ocean views. Cadillac Summit road closes at 9 pm and needs a reservation in season. Acadia isn't a certified dark sky place. Source
New to aurora watching? See what Kp means and when to look.