Kp-Index
Measures geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0 to 9. Higher values indicate Earth's magnetic field is being shaken by solar wind.
Current Kp index
--
...
Solar Wind Speed
Velocity of particles leaving the Sun. Fast winds (500+ km/s) act like a blower that lights up the aurora.
Solar Wind Speed ... (click the card for animation)
--
...
IMF Bz (The Door)
A negative (South) Bz "opens the door" for energy to enter our atmosphere.
IMF Bz
-- nT
Direction
Proton Density
High density means more particles are hitting the atmosphere, making the aurora brighter.
Density
-- p/cm³
Particle Density
HPI (Power GW)
Real-time estimate of total energy entering the atmosphere. Higher GW = bigger aurora.
Power (HPI)
-- GW
Total Energy
Radio Flux (F10.7)
Indicates overall solar activity. High numbers mean more solar storms.
Radio Flux
-- sfu
Solar Health
Aurora & Solar Activity Archive
access the archive
Data Source: Real-time solar wind data is provided by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) via the DSCOVR satellite.
3-Day Kp Index Forecast (time: UTC)
Kp 0-4
G1 (Kp 5)
G2 (Kp 6)
G3 (Kp 7)
G4 (Kp 8)
G5 (Kp 9)
Satellite Map (North)
Aurora Probability for selected cities ●

CONNECTING TO NOAA...

Data: NOAA OVATION-Prime Model. Percentages represent visibility probability overhead.
This endpoint provides the raw data for the OVATION Aurora Forecast Model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answers about Kp-Index, Bz value, visibility in Germany, forecasts, photography and more.
Go to FAQ
Northern Lights Photography
Best settings, gear, composition, smartphone tips and post-processing.
Photography Tips
Data Attribution
Where our space weather data comes from
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) is the United States government agency responsible for monitoring and forecasting space weather. SWPC provides alerts, warnings, and observational data to protect life and property and to support operations in space and on Earth that can be affected by solar activity. Learn more on the official SWPC site: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/

Licensing & credits
Data and model output are provided by NOAA SWPC. Please follow SWPC's terms of use and citations when republishing their data. For official policy and citation guidance see SWPC's website.

Our Data History Archive
We collect some data via NOAA SWPC to create as well some nice charts for visualisation, please access here: History DATA ARCHIVE

Aurora Forecast: When Will the Sky Light Up?

To witness the fascinating natural spectacle of the Northern Lights, you need two things: patience and precise data. Our Live Aurora Forecast utilizes real-time data from NASA and NOAA to provide you with the best chances for a sighting.

How to Read Aurora Data?

The most important value for an aurora forecast is the Kp-index. It describes the disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field on a scale from 0 to 9. For observations in Scandinavia, a Kp value of 2 or 3 is often sufficient. However, if you wish to see the Northern Lights in mid-latitudes (like Germany), a Kp-index of at least 6 (G2 storm) or 7 (G3 storm) is usually required.

Influence of Solar Wind and IMF

In addition to the Kp-index, solar wind speed and the IMF (Interplanetary Magnetic Field) play a decisive role. A negative Bz value (the "open door") facilitates the entry of solar particles into our atmosphere. Combined with high proton density, the chances increase for the Aurora Borealis to become visible even at lower latitudes.

The Particle's Journey

Velocity of particles leaving the Sun. Fast winds (500+ km/s) act like a blower that lights up the aurora.

Watch as solar particles travel from the sun through space. When particles enter Earth's magnetic field, they are funneled toward the poles where they create brilliant aurora displays.

The Sun
Solar Wind
Earth