G3Peak 15 May 1997 at 06:00 UTC
Northern Lights on 15 May 1997 (Kp 6.7): Where They Were Visible
Kp reached 6.7. At that level the edge of the auroral oval reaches about 53.2° magnetic latitude, so the aurora could be seen low on the horizon down to roughly 48.7°. Activity stayed at storm level (Kp 5 or more) for 12 hours.
Kp 0–3 Kp 4 Kp 5–6 (G1–G2) Kp 7+ (G3+) Times in UTC; faded bars are forecasts.
Three-hourly Kp from GFZ, one day either side of the storm.
Where the aurora could be seen
3,785 towns on our list had enough activity while it was dark there. Cloud cover is not included.
| Country | Places | Examples | Furthest from the pole |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2,821 | Chicago, Seattle, Boston, Portland | Pittsburgh |
| Canada | 904 | Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa | Yarmouth |
| New Zealand | 40 | Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Rolleston | Rangiora |
| Australia | 20 | Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie | Smithton |
Only in photos
1,870 more towns could have caught a faint red or green glow low on the horizon with a phone or camera.
Whether the aurora was actually seen also depended on the weather. Use this as a guide to where it was possible.