Week in Space Data, every Friday.
Geomagnetic conditions from NOAA SWPC (updated every 30 min), Kp index, and aurora visibility guide for enthusiasts and photographers
The aurora borealis (Northern Lights) and aurora australis (Southern Lights) are nature's most spectacular light show: curtains of green, purple, and red dancing across the sky when the sun sends charged particles into Earth's magnetic field.
This page helps you understand current space weather conditions, predict when and where the aurora will be visible, and maximize your chances of witnessing this phenomenon. We're currently near the peak of Solar Cycle 25: the best aurora viewing opportunity in over 20 years.
Awaiting live data from NOAA SWPC…
Current geomagnetic readings will appear here once the live NOAA SWPC feed responds.
Solar wind and IMF readings are awaiting live data.
Source: NOAA SWPCHow we know
The Kp index (0-9) measures planetary geomagnetic activity. Higher Kp means aurora is visible at lower latitudes. Select a Kp level to see where aurora would be visible.
Minor activity, occasional substorms
Visible above 58 N (Edmonton, Stockholm)
The aurora is a visible manifestation of the sun-Earth connection: a chain reaction from the solar surface to our upper atmosphere.
The sun continuously emits a stream of charged particles (protons and electrons) traveling at 300-800 km/s. During solar events like coronal mass ejections (CMEs), this wind intensifies dramatically, carrying stronger magnetic fields toward Earth.
Earth's magnetic field creates a protective bubble called the magnetosphere. When the solar wind's magnetic field points southward (negative Bz), it connects with Earth's field and allows particles to funnel along field lines toward the poles.
Funneled particles spiral down along magnetic field lines into the upper atmosphere (100-300 km altitude). They collide with oxygen and nitrogen molecules, transferring energy that is released as photons: the aurora.
Green aurora (557.7 nm) comes from oxygen at 100-200 km altitude and is the most common. Red aurora (630 nm) is oxygen at higher altitudes (200-300 km). Purple/blue aurora comes from nitrogen molecules at lower altitudes.
Maximize your chances of seeing and photographing the aurora.
Aurora can be faint, especially at lower latitudes during moderate storms. Drive at least 20-30 miles from major cities. The darkest skies dramatically improve your chances of seeing subtle green glows on the horizon.
In the northern hemisphere, aurora appears on the northern horizon first and expands overhead as activity strengthens. Use a compass or the North Star. In the southern hemisphere, look toward the South Pole.
Modern cameras are far more sensitive than the human eye. Even when aurora appears as a faint gray glow visually, a 5-10 second exposure at ISO 3200 will reveal vivid greens and purples. Always try a photo before giving up.
The Kp index updates every 3 hours, but real-time magnetometer data and solar wind readings from spacecraft at the L1 point update every minute. A sudden southward Bz swing can trigger aurora within 30-60 minutes.
Use ISO 1600-6400, f/2.8 or wider, 5-15 second exposures. Shorter exposures capture curtain structure; longer ones capture diffuse glows. Focus manually on a bright star. Shoot RAW for maximum editing flexibility.
Equinox months (March and September/October) have a "Russell-McPherron effect" that statistically increases geomagnetic storms. Combined with longer dark hours at high latitudes, autumn and spring are prime aurora season.
We're currently experiencing the most active period for aurora in over two decades.
Solar Cycle 25 has significantly exceeded initial predictions. The sun is producing more coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares than forecast, driving frequent geomagnetic storms.
Multiple Kp 7+ storms have occurred in 2024 and 2025, with aurora visible as far south as Florida and Mexico: events that happen only a few times per solar cycle.
The next 1-2 years represent the best opportunity to see aurora in 20+ years. Even if you live at mid-latitudes (40-50 N), major storms will provide viewing chances.
Our full Space Weather dashboard provides real-time solar wind data, Kp forecasts, radiation belt status, and 7-day geomagnetic outlooks sourced from NOAA SWPC.