Aurora Borealis in Baie-Comeau, Canada Tonight
Aurora Borealis predictions for Baie-Comeau tonight — updated every 6 hours
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30-Night Aurora Outlook for Baie-Comeau
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Aurora Borealis in Baie-Comeau — What You Need to Know
Aurora Borealis & the Auroral Oval in Baie-Comeau
Baie-Comeau is located at 49.2°N, 68.1°W (geographic) and 58.5° magnetic latitude. This places it within reach of the auroral oval during moderate storms. The northern lights (aurora borealis) are visible during moderate to strong geomagnetic storms, requiring a minimum Kp index of 5.
Note that Baie-Comeau's magnetic latitude (58.5°) differs from its geographic latitude (49.2°) by 9.3°. This is because Earth's magnetic pole is offset from the geographic pole. For aurora forecasting, magnetic latitude is what matters — it determines how close you are to the auroral oval.
What is the Kp index?
The Kp index is a 0–9 scale that measures global geomagnetic disturbance. Higher Kp values push the auroral oval further from the poles — at Kp 3, aurora is common above 65° magnetic latitude; at Kp 7+, it can reach below 50°. A Kp of 5 (moderate storm) is needed. Kp 5 is classified as a G1 geomagnetic storm by NOAA — these happen roughly 900 times per solar cycle (about every 11 years).
Aurora Borealis Viewing Conditions in Baie-Comeau
Even when the Kp index is high enough for Baie-Comeau, several factors determine whether you'll actually see the aurora:
- Cloud cover — the single biggest obstacle. You need clear or mostly clear skies.
- Darkness — aurora is only visible when the sun is at least 6° below the horizon (civil twilight or darker).
- Moonlight — a bright moon (especially full) washes out fainter aurora displays. New moon nights are ideal.
- Light pollution — urban skyglow reduces contrast (Falchi et al. 2016). Getting even 15–20 km outside the city center makes a noticeable difference.
Best Time to See Aurora Borealis in Baie-Comeau
In Baie-Comeau, the best aurora viewing window is October through February, when nights are longest and darkest. While aurora can technically occur year-round, summer nights at 49° are too short and bright for reliable sightings. Watch for solar maximum years (roughly every 11 years) when Kp 5+ storms are most frequent.
Frequently Asked Questions — Aurora Borealis in Baie-Comeau
Can I see aurora borealis in Baie-Comeau tonight?
It depends on the current Kp index. Baie-Comeau needs a Kp of 5 or higher for aurora borealis to be visible. Check the live forecast above for tonight's prediction, or download the Revon app for real-time alerts.
What Kp index is needed for northern lights in Baie-Comeau?
Baie-Comeau is at 58.5° magnetic latitude and requires a minimum Kp index of 5 for aurora to be visible. The Kp index is a 0-9 scale measuring geomagnetic activity — higher values push the auroral oval further from the poles.
When is the best time to see aurora borealis in Baie-Comeau?
The best time to see aurora borealis in Baie-Comeau is October through February, when nights are long and dark enough for observation. Within those months, the hours between 10 PM and 2 AM local time typically offer the best chances.
How does the aurora borealis forecast work?
The forecast combines NOAA solar wind and Kp index data with a machine learning model to predict aurora probability for each location. It updates every 6 hours on the website and every 15 minutes in the Revon app, which also factors in cloud cover, darkness, moonlight, and light pollution.