NOAA SWPC data
Aurora forecast for tonight
Start with the live auroral oval, then check Kp, cloud, moonlight and light pollution before you head out.
Check your location
Estimate the Kp needed at your latitude and check tonight's cloud forecast.
Finding your location...
KP:
NOAA OVATION
Auroral oval forecast
Source: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
Aurora Visibility Map - Interactive Aurora Forecast
Real-time aurora australis and borealis activity on an interactive map, with probability overlays and layer controls for planning a viewing night.
Current cloud layer
Shown by default. Use the button to hide or restore it.
Live sky cameras
Camera markers open direct operator pages. A camera image does not by itself confirm that an aurora is visible now.
Current cloud layer: OpenWeather Current modeled cloud cover, not satellite imagery
Cloud layer source: NASA EOSDIS GIBS latest daily observation Infrared satellite observation, not a forecast
- Poker Flat all-sky camera Fairbanks, Alaska · research all-sky images University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute
- AuroraMAX live camera Yellowknife, Northwest Territories · seasonal live stream AuroraMAX, University of Calgary and Canadian Space Agency
- Kiruna firmament camera Kiruna, Sweden · images about every minute Swedish Institute of Space Physics
- Queenstown sky panorama Queenstown, New Zealand · periodic panorama Roundshot Queenstown
These third-party feeds may pause for daylight, weather or maintenance. Some sources publish frequently refreshed still images rather than continuous video.
Latest Coronal Mass Ejections (CME)
Real-time tracking of solar coronal mass ejections that may impact Earth's magnetosphere and create aurora displays
Latest CME
CME Statistics
Earth Impact
Predicted aurora activity based on incoming CME impacts
CME SCORE Scale
CME Type uses the SCORE Scale to classify Coronal Mass Ejections based on their speed and rarity:
Moon Phase
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0% Illumination
Detecting location for rise/set times...
KP Index Forecast & Geomagnetic Activity Monitor
Live KP index forecast showing current and expected geomagnetic activity, the main signal for where the aurora may be visible.
Current KP Index
KP Index Forecast
Understanding the KP Index & NOAA Scales
What is the KP Index?
The KP index is a global geomagnetic storm index that measures the disturbance of Earth's magnetic field caused by solar wind. It ranges from 0 (very little activity) to 9 (extreme geomagnetic storm).
NOAA Geomagnetic Scales
- G1 (KP 5): Minor storm - Aurora visible in northern regions
- G2 (KP 6): Moderate storm - Aurora extends to mid-latitudes
- G3 (KP 7): Strong storm - Aurora visible in lower latitudes
- G4-G5 (KP 8-9): Severe to extreme storms
Aurora Viewing Tips
- Check KP index forecasts regularly
- Find dark locations away from city lights
- Best viewing hours are typically 10 PM - 2 AM local time
- Allow 20-30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness
📅 27-Day Outlook Long Term
Plan ahead based on Solar Rotation (27 days) and Moon Phases.
* Forecasts beyond 3 days are based on 27-day solar recurrence and are subject to change.
Aurora Power Index - Real-time Aurora Activity Tracker
A live HPI (Hemispheric Power Index) chart showing how much energy is entering the atmosphere right now.
Understanding Aurora Power
The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) measures the total energy input into the Earth's atmosphere in gigawatts (GW). Higher values indicate stronger aurora activity and better visibility. Typically, values above 40 GW can produce visible aurora in high latitude regions.
Power Thresholds
Solar Wind & Magnetic Field Monitor
Monitor real-time solar wind speed and magnetic field data that directly affect aurora activity and storm forecasts.
Magnetic Field (Bz)
Bz Component: A negative Bz (below 0) is favorable for aurora activity. Values below -10 nT typically trigger strong aurora displays.
Solar Wind Speed
Solar Wind Speed: Faster solar wind (above 500 km/s) increases the chance of aurora activity. Current estimated arrival time: calculating...
Understanding Solar Activity & Aurora
Magnetic Field
The Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is crucial for aurora formation. When Bz is negative (southward), it connects with Earth's magnetic field, allowing solar particles to enter our atmosphere.
Solar Wind
Solar wind is a stream of charged particles flowing from the Sun. Its speed, density, and magnetic field properties all influence aurora activity. Faster wind speeds typically result in stronger geomagnetic disturbances.
Propagation Delay
Solar wind measurements are taken at the L1 point (about 1.5 million km from Earth). There's a delay between when we measure the solar wind and when it reaches Earth's magnetosphere, which we calculate based on current wind speed.
Aurora Map forecast center
Related forecast tools
Choose a city to compare live KP, tonight’s cloud, the local viewing threshold and practical dark-sky advice.
Live Aurora Map for Both Hemispheres
Open the live aurora map for both hemispheres. Compare NOAA OVATION, current KP, optional cloud cover and trusted sky cameras before deciding where to watch.
Aurora Forecast for Today and Tonight
Check today and tonight’s aurora forecast with live KP data, NOAA maps, cloud context and separate guidance for Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis.
Live Aurora Borealis Forecast
Track the Aurora Borealis with the live NOAA northern oval, current KP, cloud context and practical guidance for judging tonight's viewing conditions.
Live Aurora Australis Forecast
Track the Aurora Australis with the live southern aurora oval, KP forecast and local guides for Tasmania, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and New Zealand.
Can You See the Northern Lights Tonight?
Can you see the Northern Lights tonight? Check live KP, the NOAA northern aurora map, cloud conditions and city-specific KP thresholds before you travel.
Can You See the Southern Lights Tonight?
Check whether the Southern Lights may be visible tonight from Australia or New Zealand using live KP, the NOAA southern oval and local cloud forecasts.
Aurora Forecast FAQ
Straight answers to the most common questions about seeing the northern and southern lights.
Can I see the northern lights tonight?
Whether the aurora is visible tonight depends on four things: the KP index (geomagnetic activity), your latitude, cloud cover, and how dark your sky is. Check the live KP forecast and aurora probability map on Aurora Map (auroramap.app), confirm clear skies, and find a dark spot facing the poleward horizon. Even with a strong forecast, clouds or a bright moon can block the view.
What KP index do I need to see the aurora?
The KP index you need depends on your latitude. Above the Arctic Circle (60-70°N) aurora can appear at KP 1-2. Around 55-60°N (Fairbanks, Reykjavik, Tromso) you typically want KP 3+. At 50-55°N (Glasgow, Stockholm) aim for KP 5+, and at 40-50°N (New York, London, Paris) you generally need a strong storm of KP 7+. KP is a probability signal, not a guarantee.
Where are the best places to see the northern lights?
The best aurora viewing is inside the auroral oval at roughly 65-75° magnetic latitude. Top accessible locations include Tromso (Norway), Abisko (Sweden), Reykjavik (Iceland), Fairbanks (Alaska), and Yellowknife (Canada). For the southern lights (aurora australis), Tasmania, southern New Zealand, and southern Chile are prime spots. During strong geomagnetic storms the oval expands toward lower latitudes.
What time of night is best to see the aurora?
The best time is around local magnetic midnight, typically 22:00-02:00 local time, when the auroral oval sits most directly overhead. You also need full darkness, so viewing is best far from city lights and away from twilight. Aurora can appear earlier or later during strong storms.
Does the moon affect aurora visibility?
Yes. A bright or full moon washes out faint aurora and reduces contrast, much like light pollution. Aurora viewing is best around the new moon when the sky is darkest. A strong, bright aurora can still be visible under moonlight, but fainter displays are easily lost. Aurora Map shows the current moon phase to help you plan.
What is the Bz value and why does it matter for aurora?
Bz is the north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field carried by the solar wind. A sustained negative (southward) Bz opens Earth's magnetic field to solar energy, feeding the aurora. Values below -10 nT are favorable for strong displays. Bz can change quickly, so it is best watched in real time alongside solar wind speed.
What is the difference between aurora borealis and aurora australis?
They are the same phenomenon at opposite poles. Aurora borealis is the northern lights, seen at high northern latitudes; aurora australis is the southern lights, seen at high southern latitudes. Both are caused by solar wind particles exciting oxygen and nitrogen in the upper atmosphere, and both respond to the same space-weather drivers like the KP index and Bz.
Is Aurora Map free to use?
Yes. Aurora Map (auroramap.app) is a free web app for real-time aurora forecasting in both hemispheres, with a live KP index, aurora probability maps, hemispheric power, Bz and solar wind data, CME tracking, and moon phase. Free companion apps are available for iOS and Android. Data is sourced from NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center and Open-Meteo.
NOAA SWPC
Live Aurora Forecast Images
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Source: NOAA SWPC
