Aurora for Bellingham, WA
Aurora possible tonight in Bellingham
Tonight's peak Kp is 3.7 — aurora visible to ~62°N. Your latitude is 48.7°N.
Storm strengthKp 3.7 — Unsettled
Kp is a 0–9 scale of geomagnetic storm strength — the higher it is, the farther south the aurora reaches. Your latitude (49°N) needs roughly Kp 3.
Aurora reaches62°N (you: 48.7°N)
The southern edge of where the aurora is overhead tonight. You can sometimes catch it low on the northern horizon a few degrees farther south.
- Cloud cover0%
- Moon53% brightness
- Dark sky starts11:48 PM
Data as of Jul 21, 2026
Coming Up
Seeing the northern lights from Bellingham, WA
Bellingham sits at about 48.7°N. The aurora becomes visible here only when a geomagnetic storm expands the auroral oval far enough south to reach your latitude — roughly Kp 3 or stronger. At your latitude that happens during moderate storms several times a year.
When a storm is in range, find a spot with a clear, dark view of the northern horizon, away from city lights, after evening twilight ends. Look north for arcs and curtains that can climb well up the sky during strong storms.
A bright moon or clouds will wash out a faint display, so the best nights pair a strong storm with clear, dark skies. Check back here on active nights for the current odds in Bellingham.