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NOAA Aurora Forecast

Official short-term forecast of where the northern and southern lights are visible

Open swpc.noaa.gov Similar maps Compare with Windy

Coverage: Polar regions
Updates: Live
Price: Free
Sign-up: Not needed
View: Flat map

What is NOAA Aurora Forecast?

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center publishes a map of predicted aurora intensity over both poles for the next half hour or so, based on solar wind measured by spacecraft between Earth and the Sun.

It is the first place to check when there is a geomagnetic storm.

What you can do

Aurora forecast for the northern and southern hemispheres
Animation of recent hours
Links to space weather alerts

The details

Coverage: Polar regions
Updates: Live / real time
Data source: OVATION model with solar wind data
Made by: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (government agency)
Price: Free
Account: No account needed
On phones: Works well on phones
Map view: Flat map

Tips for using NOAA Aurora Forecast

Bright green and red areas near you, combined with dark, clear skies, mean it is worth going outside.

Who it is for

NOAA Aurora Forecast is especially useful for stargazers and weather watchers.

Maps for stargazers Maps for weather watchers and storm chasers

Questions about NOAA Aurora Forecast

Is NOAA Aurora Forecast free?

Yes. NOAA Aurora Forecast is free to use.

Do I need an account to use NOAA Aurora Forecast?

No. You can open the map and use it without signing up.

How often is NOAA Aurora Forecast updated?

NOAA Aurora Forecast shows data in real time or close to it, so what you see is happening now (most live maps have a delay of a few seconds to a few minutes).

Where does NOAA Aurora Forecast get its data?

OVATION model with solar wind data.

Can I use NOAA Aurora Forecast on my phone?

Yes. The website works well in a phone browser.

What are some alternatives to NOAA Aurora Forecast?

Similar maps include Windy, earth.nullschool, Zoom Earth and Ventusky. See the full list of NOAA Aurora Forecast alternatives on ColorfulMaps.

Summary based on public information about NOAA Aurora Forecast. Features and prices change; the map's own website has the latest details.