Solar Weather & Aurora Forecast
Real-time solar data from NOAA. Track geomagnetic activity, predict aurora visibility, and discover the best places to see the Northern Lights.
Live Solar Data
Aurora Viewing Guide
The Kp index directly determines how far south (or north in the Southern Hemisphere) the aurora can be seen. Higher Kp means the auroral oval expands, making the lights visible to more people.
Far north only — Svalbard, Northern Alaska, Northern Siberia
Northern Scandinavia, Iceland, Northern Canada, Fairbanks
Southern Scandinavia, Scotland, Northern US states (Montana, Minnesota)
Northern England, Northern Germany, Seattle, Minneapolis, Southern Canada
Could be visible as far south as London, Paris, New York, Chicago
Historic event — aurora visible worldwide, even near the equator
Solar Cycle 25
We Are Near Solar Maximum
The Sun follows an approximately 11-year activity cycle. We are currently in Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019. The cycle reached its predicted peak around mid-2025, and solar activity remains elevated through 2026.
During solar maximum, the Sun produces more sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These events send charged particles toward Earth, fueling spectacular aurora displays.
Solar Cycle 25 has actually exceeded initial predictions, with sunspot numbers surpassing expected levels. This means enhanced aurora activity and more frequent geomagnetic storms through 2026 and potentially into 2027.
What Causes the Aurora
Solar Wind
The Sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles (electrons and protons) called the solar wind, traveling at 400-800 km/s. During solar storms, bursts of plasma called coronal mass ejections dramatically increase this flow.
Magnetosphere
Earth's magnetic field creates a protective bubble — the magnetosphere. When the solar wind hits it, the magnetic field lines on the night side reconnect, funneling charged particles toward the polar regions along magnetic field lines.
Atmospheric Collision
The charged particles slam into gas molecules in Earth's upper atmosphere (100-300 km altitude). The energy transfer excites these molecules, and when they return to their ground state they release photons — light.
Aurora Colors
Green (most common): oxygen at 100-300 km. Red: oxygen above 300 km. Purple/blue: nitrogen below 100 km. The color depends on which gas is excited and at what altitude the collision occurs.
Best Aurora Destinations
Tromsoe
Norway's aurora capital — fjord reflections under the lights
Reykjavik
Dark winters, volcanic landscapes, and hot springs under the aurora
Fairbanks
Under the auroral oval — one of the most reliable spots on Earth
Yellowknife
Clear skies and flat terrain provide unobstructed 360-degree views
Rovaniemi
Arctic Circle location with glass igloos for aurora viewing
Abisko
Rain shadow microclimate makes it one of the clearest spots in Scandinavia
Svalbard
Polar night offers 24-hour darkness and daytime aurora viewing
Tasmania
Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) visible during southern winter