🌌 Northern Lights Forecast

Track real-time aurora predictions and find the best times to witness the spectacular Northern and Southern Lights.

Current Geomagnetic Activity

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Current KP Index
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Solar Wind Speed
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Solar Activity
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KP Index Scale

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
KP 0-2: Quiet
KP 3-4: Active
KP 5-6: Minor Storm
KP 7-9: Major Storm

3-Day Aurora Forecast

Aurora Oval Coverage

80°N
70°N
60°N
50°N
40°N

Visibility Range

Northern Latitude: 65°N - 70°N
Southern Latitude: 65°S - 70°S
Best Viewing Time: 10 PM - 2 AM Local Time

The aurora oval expands equatorward during geomagnetic storms, making auroras visible at lower latitudes.

Best Viewing Locations

🇺🇸 Alaska, USA

Best Spots: Fairbanks, Denali National Park

Season: September - March

KP Needed: 1-2

Latitude: 64°N

🇨🇦 Northern Canada

Best Spots: Yellowknife, Churchill, Whitehorse

Season: October - March

KP Needed: 1-2

Latitude: 62°N - 68°N

🇮🇸 Iceland

Best Spots: Reykjavik, Thingvellir, Jokulsarlon

Season: September - April

KP Needed: 2-3

Latitude: 64°N - 66°N

🇳🇴 Norway

Best Spots: Tromso, Lofoten Islands, North Cape

Season: September - March

KP Needed: 2-3

Latitude: 69°N - 71°N

🇸🇪 Sweden

Best Spots: Kiruna, Abisko National Park

Season: September - March

KP Needed: 2-3

Latitude: 68°N

🇫🇮 Finland

Best Spots: Rovaniemi, Inari, Kakslauttanen

Season: September - March

KP Needed: 2-3

Latitude: 68°N - 70°N

🇦🇶 Antarctica

Best Spots: Research stations, coastal areas

Season: March - September (Southern Winter)

KP Needed: 1-2

Latitude: 65°S - 75°S

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Best Spots: Stewart Island, Lake Tekapo

Season: March - September

KP Needed: 5-7 (rare)

Latitude: 45°S - 47°S

Aurora Viewing Guide

🌙 Best Conditions

  • Clear, dark skies (new moon is ideal)
  • Minimal light pollution
  • KP index 3 or higher for mid-latitudes
  • Solar wind speed above 400 km/s
  • Winter months (longer nights)
  • Look north from Northern Hemisphere

📸 Photography Tips

  • Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera
  • Wide-angle lens (14-24mm)
  • Manual mode: ISO 800-3200
  • Aperture: f/2.8 or wider
  • Shutter speed: 5-25 seconds
  • Use a sturdy tripod

⚡ Understanding KP Index

  • KP 0-2: Auroras limited to polar regions
  • KP 3-4: Visible in Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia
  • KP 5-6: Visible in northern US, UK, Germany
  • KP 7-8: Visible as far south as 40°N
  • KP 9: Rare, visible at very low latitudes
  • Higher KP = brighter, more active auroras

🎨 Aurora Colors

  • Green: Oxygen at 100-300km altitude (most common)
  • Red: Oxygen above 300km (rare, during intense storms)
  • Blue/Purple: Nitrogen below 100km
  • Pink: Mix of nitrogen and oxygen
  • Color intensity depends on solar activity
  • Cameras capture more color than naked eye

Aurora Alerts

Get notified when the KP index rises above your threshold! NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center offers free email alerts for geomagnetic storms.

Subscribe to NOAA Alerts

Note: Aurora forecasts are predictions based on current solar activity and geomagnetic conditions. Actual visibility depends on weather, location, and real-time solar wind conditions. For the most accurate real-time data, visit NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.