AURORA BOREALIS LOOKOUT

Kp Index (planetary K-index)

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About the Kp Index

Kp Index estimates the current strength of the Earth's magnetic field. There are several stations on Earth measuring K-index at different locations. Kp Index is an estimate of the magnetic field of Earth as a whole, based on data from all stations.

Kp values range from 0 to 9. Kp can be used as a general guide of which latitudes aurora may be visible at. At Kp 9 (extreme geomagnetic storm), aurora could be visible as far as Amsterdam, London and New York, if other conditions are ideal.

How useful is Kp for predicting auroras?

Unfortunately, just because Kp is high enough to see auroras at your latitude, doesn't mean an aurora will be visible. There are many other factors affecting the presence and visibility of auroras from your location.

Also, Kp is measured as an average over the past 3 hours. Auroras are often sporadic and Kp could rise in a spike before the data has time to reflect this change.

Kp index: 0 / 9

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G-storm level:
G0 []

Solar Wind

Solar wind speed: 0 km/s

β“˜ Speed should be at least 500 km/s for aurora activity. The higher the better.

Wind direction: NORTH(Bz: 0)

β“˜ Direction should be SOUTH. The lower the Bz, the better.

β‡ͺ Solar wind speed (km/s)

β‡ͺ Wind direction (Bz, nT)