Ketchikan, located at 55.3422°N latitude, offers very limited aurora viewing opportunities due to its very southern latitude, requiring extreme geomagnetic storms
Best Viewing Locations Near Ketchikan
- Ward Lake: Darker skies, ~7 miles north
- Settlers Cove: Coastal viewing, ~18 miles north
- Totem Bight State Park: Accessible location
- Mountain Point: Elevated viewing
Viewing Tips for Ketchikan
- Ketchikan requires Kp 7+ for reliable aurora visibility due to very southern latitude
- Cloud cover is extremely common (~80-90% during aurora season)
- Best viewing times: 10 PM - 2 AM Alaska Time
- Aurora viewing is rare but possible during strong geomagnetic storms
- Clear skies are essential - check weather forecasts carefully