Check some of the key metrics that are likely to signify an active aurora.
Forecast for 11 April 2026 at 11:18am UTC.
When reading the aurora forecast you should look out for high values of Kp and Hemispheric Power, negative Bz, strong Bt as well as elevated solar wind speed and density. A combination of these will provide the best aurora viewing conditions.
N/A
The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.
36 GW
The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) estimates the total auroral energy input at the poles. Values above 20 GW indicate an aurora-active state, 100 GW or more signifying a significant geomagnetic storm.
N/A
Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
N/A
Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.
2.64 p/cm3
Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm3).
490.7 km/s
Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.
Looking ahead, here are the forecast Kp-index values for the next 3 days from the NOAA.
| Time (UTC) | 11 April | 12 April | 13 April |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12am-3am | 3.67 | 3.67 | 2.67 |
| 3am-6am | 4.67 (G1) | 3.67 | 2.67 |
| 6am-9am | 4.00 | 3.67 | 3.00 |
| 9am-12pm | 4.00 | 2.67 | 2.67 |
| 12pm-3pm | 3.00 | 2.67 | 1.67 |
| 3pm-6pm | 2.67 | 1.67 | 1.67 |
| 6pm-9pm | 4.00 | 2.67 | 2.00 |
| 9pm-12am | 4.67 (G1) | 3.00 | 2.67 |
In the table Kp-index values including a “G” value indicate a geomagnetic storm. NOAA uses a geomagnetic storm scale (G1-G5) to classify the severity of geomagnetic storms, with G1 being minor, G2 moderate, G3 strong, G4 severe and G5 extreme.
Where in the world are the current highest probabilities for viewing the aurora. Forecast for 11 April 2026 at 12:02pm UTC.
Looking at the places we track, here’s our top 10 spots with the current highest likelihood of seeing the aurora.
Forecast for 11 April 2026 at 12:02pm UTC.
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