Aurora Borealis
Realistic expectations: Rare but possible. We help you know when.
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Can you really see the Northern Lights from Montreal?

Montreal Aurora is your guide to understanding and witnessing the magic of the night sky, powered by Zenderfull.

How the Aurora Works

Solar Wind

Particles from the sun stream toward Earth at millions of miles per hour.

Magnetic Shield

Earth's magnetic field funnels these particles toward the poles.

Atmospheric Glow

Particles collide with gases in our atmosphere, creating vibrant colors.

Did you know?

The colors of the aurora depend on which gas is being excited by the solar particles and at what altitude. Green is caused by oxygen at lower altitudes, while red comes from oxygen higher up. Purples and blues are caused by nitrogen.

Next Aurora Adventure

Exclusive Expedition

Aurora Expedition
Limited Spots Available
Fall 2025
Northern Quebec Expedition

Unforgettable Journey to the Far North

Join Zenderfull for an exclusive expedition to the far north. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers seeking the ultimate light show.

Real-Time Aurora Monitoring

Live data from Norlys.live and deep space monitors.

DON'T RELY ON KP INDEX — WATCH REAL-TIME DATA

Zenderfull Estimation

Our unique interpretation for tonight's sky.

"Conditions are looking promising for later tonight. Bz is starting to tip south and wind speeds are climbing. We expect a possible sub-storm around midnight."

Z

Zenderfull Team

Expert Analysis

Community Interpretation

What are you seeing or predicting?

Bz (Magnetic Orientation)

Current: -- nT

The most critical factor. Needs to be NEGATIVE (Southward).

Bt (Total Strength)

Current: -- nT

Total strength of the interplanetary magnetic field. Higher is better.

Solar Wind Speed

Current: -- km/s

Speed of particles hitting Earth. 500+ km/s is the sweet spot.

GEOS Data

Active

Real-time satellite monitoring of the Earth's environment.

Live Aurora Webcam
Live Stream

Real-time Solar Wind

PRO TIP:The KP Index is a 3-hour average. For Montreal chasing, the Bz orientation is your best friend. If Bz stays below -10nT for 30 minutes, get in your car!

Data streaming from Norlys.live & SpaceWeatherLive

Premium Access

Secret Chasing Spots

Access our hand-picked map of the best dark-sky locations around Montreal.

15+ Tested Dark Sky Locations
Precise Parking & Viewpoints
Cell Service & Road Info
Horizon Clearances Notes
Get Access via BuyMeACoffee

Premium Map Content

Get access to our private Google Map with 15+ tested locations, precise parking spots, and horizon clearings.

Unlock Full Map for $5

Automatic Delivery

Access link sent immediately after payment.

Note: Locations are valid for Montreal & surroundings (within 2 hours drive).

Chasing from Montreal

Montreal sits at a magnetic latitude that makes auroras possible during strong solar storms. While rare right in the city center due to light pollution, a short 45-minute drive can reveal the magic.

Why we ignore KP Index

The KP Index is an average and often lags. We focus on real-time Bz and Solar Wind speed for accurate predictions.

The Bz Factor (Critical)

When Bz is negative (southward), Earth's magnetic shield opens, allowing the aurora to pour in.

Where to look?

Get away from city lights. Head North, toward the Laurentians or the Eastern Townships.

The Hidden Enemy: Clouds

Even with a massive solar storm and perfect Bz, clouds can block everything. Always check the Astro-spheric or Windy cloud cover forecast before heading out. Sometimes you only need to drive 20km to find a clear window.

Resources

Curated tools for serious chasers.

Experiential

Don't just watch.
Experience it.

Chasing the aurora is more than just looking up. It's about being in the right place at the right time.

Guided Aurora Chases

Small groups, expert navigation, and professional photography.

Photography Workshops

Learn how to capture the night sky with your own camera.

Conferences

Invite Zenderfull to speak about astronomy and solar phenomena.

Book with Zenderfull
Chase

"A night I will never forget. Zenderfull made the magic real."

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