Southern Lights Forecast
for Patagonia (El Calafate)
Patagonia (El Calafate), Argentina — about -42° geomagnetic latitude. Extreme storms only.
Can you see the aurora in Patagonia (El Calafate)?
Yes. From a dark site you need about Kp 9 for a faint glow low on the southern horizon, and roughly Kp 9 for bright aurora directly overhead. At -42° geomagnetic latitude this spot sits well outside the oval — it takes a major geomagnetic storm.
Over the last 12 months the planetary Kp did not reach the level Patagonia (El Calafate) needs on any of its 365 days — it takes a rare, major storm. Kp is a global index, and you still need clear, dark skies here. In 94 years on record the strongest day hit Kp 9.
The full Kp archive, 1932 → today →When to go
The season runs late March to late September, when the nights are long and dark. You also need clear skies and a low moon — even a strong Kp is useless under cloud. Check tonight's live call above, then plan a night around the dark window, cloud and moon.
Nearby in South America
From the bookChasing PinkSeven winters of chasing the northern lights — ten chapters, free to read here.Start reading →