Hourly Forecast
Using real-time solar wind data from Nasa’s ACE spacecraft, matched with data obtained from a network of magnetometers located worldwide, we are able to forecast, with reasonable accuracy, how the Northern Lights will behave up to one hour in advance. The image shows estimated aurora activity now.
Click here for Non Flash version
Right now, the aurora is predicted to be: Kp 2.33
In 0 hour and 23 minutes, the aurora is predicted to be kp 2.33
In 0 hour and 37 minutes, the aurora is predicted to be kp 2.00
In 0 hour and 53 minutes, the aurora is predicted to be kp 1.67
System status: 
All Good
Daily Forecast
While all the other forecasts are using satellite and scientific data. The Daily aurora forecast is predicted at 5pm Finnish time (2pm Universal Time) by a person. (The computer models and predictions are great, but using real life experience and pattern recognition is something they can’t do).
- 23 April
Tonight’s estimated aurora level:
Level 2 – LowForecast:
Auroral activity should be at low levels. Weather permitting, aurora displays may be visible overhead or on the horizon in Bodø (Norway), Sodankylä (Finland), Kiruna (Sweden) and Siglufjörður (Iceland).Comments:
We are seeing some slight enhancements in the solar wind today, but we’re not expecting much activity from it, kp2 to kp3 at best. It could produce auroras in Lapland, but as there is no longer dark skies in most of Lapland, they will likely not be visible.
3 Day Forecast
Courtesy of NOAA.
- 23-25 April
Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected for the next three days (23-25 Apr), due to a weak recurrent negative polarity feature in the solar wind stream.
Predicted kp numbers for the next 3 days:
Time now in UTC (Universal Time) is: 04:51 24/04/14
Apr 24 Apr 25 Apr 26
00-03UT 3 3 2
03-06UT 2 2 1
06-09UT 2 2 1
09-12UT 2 2 1
12-15UT 2 2 1
15-18UT 2 2 1
18-21UT 2 2 2
21-00UT 2 2 2 ..
Rationale: No G1 (Minor) or greater geomagnetic storms are expected. No significant transient or recurrent solar wind features are forecast.
Why do we use UTC?
UTC (Universal Time) is used in science, weather, aviation, military and many other fields. It eliminates confusion with multiple time zones and daylight saving. For more information on UTC click here
Solar Wind Gauges
These gauges are our own system, they are updated every 60 seconds directly from Nasa’s ACE spacecraft data. The data you see here is what the ACE spacecraft monitored only moments ago. These 3 components are the most important components of the solar wind (when it comes to Aurora Borealis). Note the Bz gauge works backwards. You can view all the components of the solar wind on our other solar wind tool here.
Gauges are updated every minute live (without the need for page refresh).
How to interpret the gauge activity
 SWPC Solar Wind Dials |  Real time solar wind tool (*NEW*) click to launch |
 (short term prediction) |  Auroral Map (last recorded aurora strength) |
 NOAA CME Prediction Forecast (*NEW*) click to launch |  NASA CME Prediction Forecast (*NEW*) click to launch |
ACE Real Time Solar Wind MAG & SWEPAM data
ACE Real Time Solar Wind EPAM (Low Energy Electrons & Protons) data
Magnetometer located in Dombås, Norway 62°N
What Kp strength do you need to view Northern Lights where you are?
The Northern Lights are most often seen in the Lapland regions of Finland, Sweden and Norway along with Iceland and Greenland. But during high activity, auroras are often visible from much lower latitudes, often including Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Estonia and more. This table allows you to see what Kp level is typically required see aurora borealis where you are in the event of high geomagnetic activity.
Aurora Service was set up by me (Tony). I am a computer programmer and aurora watcher, so I combined both to create this site to help my Northern Lights forecasting and viewing. The site has kept growing and now it is a great resource for Aurora chasers all over the world. If you find the site useful please consider donating towards its running costs, thanks. Tony.
