Northern lights in Quimper tonight

Real-time aurora forecast for Quimper (Bretagne) - latitude 48.00° N, estimated Kp threshold 8.5.

Kp index

6.3

moderate

Hemispheric power

North35GW

South38GW

Source: app.pulsar-si.com

Tonight in Quimper

Very unlikely

Based on Kp 6.3 and Quimper's latitude.

Seeing the northern lights from Quimper

Quimper, in the heart of southern Finistère, at 48° N, offers interesting observation conditions thanks to moderate light pollution and the proximity of very dark rural areas. Auroras become visible from Kp 7. Nearby coasts and the Cap Sizun and Penmarc'h points give access to remarkable skies.

Observation conditions in Quimper

Bortle 6 in the centre. The Monts d'Arrée (Bortle 3, 50 km north) are among the best skies in Brittany. The Pointe du Raz and the Audierne bay (Bortle 4, 35 km west) offer a north-western horizon over the Atlantic. The Crozon peninsula is a classic observation site, with a perfectly clear, low-pollution northern point.

Recent auroras from Quimper

10-11 May 2024 (Kp 9): aurora photographed from the Pointe du Raz and the Monts d'Arrée. 24 March 2024 (Kp 8): sightings from the wild Finistère coast. 5 November 2023 (Kp 7): confirmed rural observations in Finistère.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see the northern lights from Quimper?

Yes, but rarely. Typically a Kp index of ≥ 8.5 is needed for the aurora to become visible from Quimper (latitude 48.0° N). Major geomagnetic storms (Kp 8-9) that reach this latitude happen only a handful of times per 11-year solar cycle.

What Kp index is needed to see auroras from Quimper?

The approximate Kp threshold for Quimper is 8.5. Below that, auroras stay confined to high latitudes (Norway, Scotland). Above it, they gradually extend southward. A Kp of 9.5 gives a fair chance, 10.5 a strong one.

When is the best time to watch from Quimper?

Auroras are a nighttime phenomenon, best observed between roughly 10 PM and 2 AM local time, when the geomagnetic pole is tilted towards the Earth's night side. In practice, peaks depend on when a coronal mass ejection arrives - activity can spike at any hour.

Where around Quimper offers better conditions?

Move at least 40-60 km north of Quimper to escape urban light pollution and gain 1-2 magnitudes of limiting magnitude.

Northern lights in Quimper tonight

Seeing the northern lights from Quimper

Observation conditions in Quimper

Recent auroras from Quimper

Local conditions

Frequently asked questions

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