Aurora Australis Forecast
Real-time aurora australis forecasts and southern lights predictions with KP index tracking. Interactive maps show exactly when and where to see the aurora.
Live Aurora Forecast Images
Aurora Visibility Map - Interactive Aurora Forecast
Real-time aurora australis and borealis activity visualization with interactive controls and detailed probability mapping for optimal aurora viewing conditions.
KP Index Forecast & Geomagnetic Activity Monitor
Track real-time geomagnetic storm activity with the KP index forecast, a key indicator of aurora australis and borealis visibility and intensity for optimal aurora viewing conditions.
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
Aurora Power Index - Real-time Aurora Activity Tracker
Monitor the power and intensity of aurora australis and borealis activity in real-time with our HPI (Hemispheric Power Index) chart for accurate aurora forecasting.
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 influence aurora australis and borealis activity for accurate geomagnetic storm forecasting.
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.