# AuroraMap.app

> Real-time aurora forecast for both hemispheres - Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) and Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). Track KP index, geomagnetic storms, and aurora visibility with high-performance interactive maps worldwide.

AuroraMap.app is a comprehensive aurora forecasting platform that provides:

- Real-time aurora forecasting for both Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) and Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
- High-performance interactive aurora visibility maps with Canvas rendering (5-10x faster)
- Personalized location-based aurora visibility predictions with night-time weather conditions
- KP index monitoring with 24-hour forecast window and geomagnetic storm alerts
- Aurora power index (HPI) charts with real-time current values
- Solar wind and magnetic field (Bz) data visualization with Earth position calculations
- Historical aurora activity data and trends
- Mobile-optimized responsive design with full-screen map support

The platform serves aurora enthusiasts worldwide, covering both hemispheres with specialized focus on Southern Hemisphere (Australia, New Zealand, South America, southern Africa) and Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Scandinavia, Iceland) aurora zones.

## Core Features

- [Homepage](https://auroramap.app/): Main aurora forecast dashboard with real-time metrics (Current KP, HPI, Bz)
- [Interactive Aurora Maps](https://auroramap.app/#aurora-map-section): High-performance Canvas-rendered maps with:
  - Dual hemisphere support (Northern & Southern)
  - Real-time NOAA OVATION aurora probability data
  - User location marker with personalized visibility predictions
  - Full-screen mode for detailed viewing
  - Optimized legend with color-coded probability levels
  - Night-time weather integration (cloud cover, visibility, precipitation)
- [KP Index Monitor](https://auroramap.app/#kp-index): Real-time geomagnetic activity with 24-hour forecast window
- [Aurora Power Charts (HPI)](https://auroramap.app/#aurora-power): Hemispheric Power Index with current GW display
- [Solar Wind & Magnetic Field Monitor](https://auroramap.app/#magnetic-field): Real-time Bz values with Earth position calculations

## Data Sources & APIs

- [NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center](https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/): Primary source for all geomagnetic data
- [NOAA OVATION Aurora Model](https://services.swpc.noaa.gov/): Real-time aurora probability predictions
- [Real-time Solar Wind Data](https://auroramap.app/api/solar-wind): Live solar wind parameters (speed, density, magnetic field)
- [Geomagnetic Field Data](https://auroramap.app/api/magnetic-field): Current Bz measurements with Earth arrival time calculations
- [KP Index Data](https://auroramap.app/api/kp-index): Current and 24-hour forecast geomagnetic activity
- [Hemispheric Power Index](https://auroramap.app/api/aurora-power): Real-time aurora intensity in Gigawatts
- [Open-Meteo Weather API](https://open-meteo.com/): Night-time weather conditions for aurora viewing

## Technical Features & Performance

- **High-Performance Rendering**: Canvas-based map rendering with 5-10x performance improvement over SVG
- **Smart Data Loading**: Delayed tooltip loading reduces initial render time by 60-70%
- **Real-time Updates**: WebSocket connections for live data streaming
- **Responsive Design**: Mobile-optimized with touch-friendly controls and full-screen support
- **Progressive Web App**: Offline-capable with service worker caching
- **Error Handling**: Robust retry mechanisms with skeleton loading states
- **Multi-source Fallback**: Automatic failover between primary and backup data sources

## User Features

- **Personalized Predictions**: Automatic location detection with aurora visibility calculations
- **Weather Integration**: Real-time night-time weather conditions (cloud cover, visibility, precipitation)
- **Interactive Controls**: Hemisphere toggle, full-screen mode, layer controls
- **Live Forecast Images**: Mobile-optimized aurora forecast images (30-min, tonight, tomorrow)
- **Time Zone Support**: Automatic local time conversion for all data displays
- **Accessibility**: Keyboard navigation and screen reader support

## Optional Resources

- [About Aurora Science](https://auroramap.app/#about): Scientific background on aurora formation and geomagnetic activity
- [Photography Tips](https://auroramap.app/#photography): Camera settings and location scouting guidelines
- [Stargazing Hub App](https://auroramap.app/#stargazing-hub): Companion mobile app for aurora alerts
- [Contact & Support](https://auroramap.app/#contact): Email: axxu0607@gmail.com