About Aurora Tracker
Learn about the science behind the aurora borealis and how to track space weather
How Aurora Form
The aurora borealis (northern lights) and aurora australis (southern lights) are one of nature's most spectacular displays, created by the interaction between the Sun and Earth's magnetic field.
Interactive Aurora Formation Diagram
Solar Wind Release
The Sun constantly releases charged particles (electrons and protons) in all directions, creating the solar wind.
Colors of Aurora
- Green: Oxygen at 100-300 km altitude (most common)
- Red: Oxygen at 300-400 km altitude (rare)
- Blue: Nitrogen at lower altitudes
- Purple: Nitrogen at higher altitudes
Aurora Shapes
- • Arc: Smooth, curved band across the sky
- • Band: Folded or twisted arc structure
- • Corona: Rays converging overhead
- • Curtain: Vertical rays like hanging drapes
- • Diffuse: Faint, cloud-like glow
Space Weather Monitoring
Aurora Tracker aggregates data from multiple reliable sources to provide accurate, real-time space weather information.
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
The primary source for space weather forecasts and alerts. NOAA SWPC monitors the Sun 24/7 and provides real-time data on solar activity, geomagnetic storms, and aurora forecasts.
NASA DSCOVR Satellite
Located at the L1 Lagrange point between Earth and the Sun, DSCOVR provides real-time measurements of solar wind speed, density, and magnetic field about 1 hour before impact.
Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)
NASA's SDO continuously observes the Sun in multiple wavelengths, providing detailed images of solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other solar phenomena.
Ground-Based Magnetometers
A global network of magnetometers measures Earth's magnetic field variations, providing ground-truth data for geomagnetic activity and aurora intensity.
Understanding the Kp Index
The Kp index is the most widely used indicator of geomagnetic activity and aurora probability. It ranges from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme storm).
Quiet
Aurora only visible near magnetic poles
Visible at
> 65°
Quiet
Aurora visible at high latitudes
Visible at
> 62°
Unsettled
Aurora visible at high latitudes, brighter displays
Visible at
> 59°
Active
Aurora visible at mid-high latitudes
Visible at
> 56°
Minor Storm
Aurora visible at mid-latitudes, strong displays
Visible at
> 53°
Moderate Storm
Aurora visible at lower mid-latitudes
Visible at
> 50°
Strong Storm
Aurora visible at mid-latitudes, very bright
Visible at
> 47°
Severe Storm
Aurora visible at lower latitudes
Visible at
> 44°
Extreme Storm
Aurora visible at very low latitudes, rare event
Visible at
> 40°
Note: These latitudes are approximate. Actual visibility depends on many factors including local weather, light pollution, and the specific characteristics of the geomagnetic storm. The Bz component of the solar wind is also critical - a strongly negative Bz can produce aurora at lower latitudes than the Kp index alone would suggest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Resources
Learn More
- • NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
- • NASA Space Weather
- • European Space Agency Space Weather
- • Aurorasaurus Citizen Science Project
Mobile Apps
- • Aurora alerts and notifications
- • Real-time Kp index tracking
- • Offline aurora forecasts
- • Photography planning tools