Real-Time Aurora Activity

Discover the likelihood of witnessing the Northern or Southern Lights from your location.

The aurora borealis (Northern Lights) and aurora australis (Southern Lights) are beautiful natural phenomena caused by solar particles colliding with Earth's atmosphere. This page provides the current probability of auroral activity based on real-time space weather data.

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KP-Index:

Aurora Visibility at Your Location

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Your Coordinates: Lat: 37.3541°, Lon: -121.955°

Aurora Probability Now: 0%

Visibility Status: Very low probability of aurora visibility. Likely no aurora.

Solar Wind Conditions

Solar Wind Speed: 398.2 km/s

Solar Wind Density: 1.84 protons/cm³

Bz Component (IMF Z-axis): 1.80 nT (Northward)

Last Update: 2026-06-03 20:52

The Bz component measures the north-south orientation of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF), a key part of the solar wind’s magnetic field. Its value is given in nanoteslas (nT).
- When Bz is negative (e.g., -6.3 nT), the IMF points southward. This southward orientation allows solar wind energy to more effectively enter Earth’s magnetic field, often leading to stronger auroral activity.
- When Bz is positive (e.g., +4.2 nT), the IMF points northward. A northward orientation typically suppresses the energy transfer, reducing the chance of visible auroras.
Example: If the Bz component is -6.3 nT, the IMF is southward, creating favorable conditions for auroras.

Global KP Index Forecast (Wed, 31 December 1969 – Wed, 31 December 1969)

The Kp index measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme storm). This chart presents both recent observations and forecasted Kp values from 31 December, 15:00 through 31 December, 15:00, helping you monitor geomagnetic trends and anticipate periods of increased auroral activity.

Bz (IMF Component)

The Bz component of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) indicates the north-south orientation of the magnetic field carried by the solar wind. Negative Bz values can connect with Earth's magnetic field, potentially triggering geomagnetic storms. Monitoring Bz helps predict space weather impacts on Earth.

Real-Time Satellite Cloud Cover

Real-time satellite imagery helps determine where skies are clear for aurora viewing. Use this map to check cloud conditions across regions of potential auroral activity.

View cloud cover timeline →

Credits and Unknowledgements

Aurora data is sourced from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).

We acknowledge the invaluable contributions of NOAA and its researchers in collecting, processing, and publishing aurora-related data.

All interpretations, errors, or omissions in the presentation of this data are our own, and NOAA is not responsible for any conclusions drawn from its use here.

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