Aurora Forecast
Forecasts of auroral activity, updated daily.
www.gi.alaska.eduI can help with the latest NOAA aurora forecasts, but I don’t have live access to the feeds right this moment. Here’s where you can check the most current information and what to expect.
What to check for
- NOAA 30-minute aurora forecast: This is NOAA’s primary short-term map showing likely aurora locations and intensity, updated every 30 minutes. Look for the OVATION model map and the accompanying forecast text to gauge where the aurora is visible right now [NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center].
- Ovation and Kp-based guidance: The Ovation model provides a probability of seeing the aurora at various latitudes, while Kp indices offer a broader sense of geomagnetic activity. A higher Kp (e.g., 5 or more) usually means a wider aurora footprint at mid to high latitudes [NOAA SWPC overview].
- Regional viewing tips: For clear visibility, check local cloud cover and light pollution forecasts in your area, and note that aurora visibility also depends on moon phase and local weather conditions.
Where to read the latest
- NOAA SWPC Aurora pages, including the 30-minute forecast and the latest forecasts for Northern Hemisphere aurora.
- Space Weather Live and other aggregators often echo NOAA’s forecasts and add practical viewing tips and maps for specific regions.
- NASA and university sites sometimes provide explainer pages and historical context for recent aurora activity.
Illustrative example
- If NOAA shows a 30-minute forecast with a strong aurora probability across your latitude band and clear skies in your region, you could be in for a visible display tonight—especially if skies are dark and stable.
Would you like me to fetch the current NOAA aurora forecast for your exact location in Valletta, Malta, or provide a quick, region-focused viewing checklist for Europe tonight? I can summarize the latest conditions and give practical viewing tips.