When is the absolute best time to observe?

The optimal observation window opens during maximum astronomical dark hours, when moon illumination is low and local cloud cover stays under about 20% for a genuinely clear sky.

What observation equipment do I need?

Baseline tracking can be done with the naked eye. For fainter, low-contrast targets, a steady tripod-mounted pair of wide-field binoculars or a small telescope makes a real difference.

Is this event visible from my exact location?

Search your specific city or coordinates above — visibility depends on your exact latitude and local horizon, not just your general region.

Space Weather Impacts

What does today's space weather mean for you?

Real NOAA space-weather data, translated into practical guidance for aurora viewing, GPS accuracy, radio propagation, aviation, satellites and power grids.

Overall Impact Right Now

LOW

Updated 2 minutes ago · Source: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center

Kp Index

1.3

G-scale

R-scale

S-scale

2.7 nT

How is this affecting you?

Current Impact: LOW

What's happening: Kp is currently 1.3 — geomagnetic activity is quiet to unsettled.
What it means for you: Aurora is generally only visible from high-latitude locations (northern Alaska, northern Scandinavia, etc.).
What to do: Check back if you're at a high-latitude location, or watch for rising Kp.

Driven by: Kp Index: 1.3 (G0)

Open the Aurora Forecast

Why this matters: the metrics explained

Kp Index

A 0–9 scale measuring global geomagnetic activity, the primary driver of aurora visibility.

Bz (IMF)

The north-south direction of the interplanetary magnetic field. A southward (negative) Bz couples more efficiently with Earth's magnetosphere.

G-scale (Geomagnetic Storm)

NOAA's official G1–G5 scale for geomagnetic storm severity, derived from Kp.

R-scale (Radio Blackout)

NOAA's official R1–R5 scale for HF radio blackout severity, driven by solar X-ray flux.

S-scale (Radiation Storm)

NOAA's official S1–S5 scale for solar radiation storm severity, driven by energetic proton flux.

Get notified when conditions change

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Every week: the Kp outlook, Earth-directed CMEs, flare activity and the best nights to look up — written from live NOAA and NASA data. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Confused by metrics? Read the Space Weather Academy Glossary.

Kp, G-scale, R-scale, S-scale and Bz values above are live, real telemetry from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. The Overall Impact status and per-sector guidance are SpaceWeatherTracker's own interpretation of those official scales, not an official NOAA product. Aviation and satellite/power-grid guidance here is informational context only — it is not operational or safety guidance.