Presets:


close
Ovation: South
North
Weather: TAS
Presets: Presets

Alerts:
none

Solar-terrestrial indices for 05 May follow.
Solar flux 128 and estimated planetary A-index 12.
The estimated planetary K-index at 0300 UTC on 06 May was 0.67.

No space weather storms were observed for the past 24 hours.

No space weather storms are predicted for the next 24 hours.


Geo Magnetic Forecast:

NOAA Ap Index Forecast
Observed Ap 04 May 026
Estimated Ap 05 May 013
Predicted Ap 06 May-08 May 008-016-018

NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Probabilities 06 May-08 May
Active                25/35/35
Minor storm           10/25/25
Moderate storm        05/05/05
Strong-Extreme storm  01/01/01

NOAA Kp index forecast 06 May - 08 May
             May 06    May 07    May 08
00-03UT        2.67      3.33      4.00
03-06UT        2.33      3.00      3.67
06-09UT        2.00      2.33      3.33
09-12UT        1.33      1.33      3.00
12-15UT        1.67      2.33      2.33
15-18UT        2.33      3.00      2.33
18-21UT        2.00      3.67      3.33
21-00UT        2.67      4.33      3.67


Extended Three Day Forecast:

A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast

The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 5 (NOAA Scale
G1).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for May 06-May 08 2026 is 4.33 (below NOAA
Scale levels).

NOAA Kp index breakdown May 06-May 08 2026

             May 06       May 07       May 08
00-03UT       2.67         3.33         4.00
03-06UT       2.33         3.00         3.67
06-09UT       2.00         2.33         3.33
09-12UT       1.33         1.33         3.00
12-15UT       1.67         2.33         2.33
15-18UT       2.33         3.00         2.33
18-21UT       2.00         3.67         3.33
21-00UT       2.67         4.33         3.67

Rationale: No G1 (Minor) or greater geomagnetic storms are expected.  No
significant transient or recurrent solar wind features are forecast.

B. NOAA Solar Radiation Activity Observation and Forecast

Solar radiation, as observed by NOAA GOES-19 over the past 24 hours, was
below S-scale storm level thresholds.

Solar Radiation Storm Forecast for May 06-May 08 2026

              May 06  May 07  May 08
S1 or greater    1%      1%      1%

Rationale: No S1 (Minor) or greater solar radiation storms are expected.
No significant active region activity favorable for radiation storm
production is forecast.

C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast

No radio blackouts were observed over the past 24 hours.

Radio Blackout Forecast for May 06-May 08 2026

              May 06        May 07        May 08
R1-R2           25%           25%           35%
R3 or greater    1%            1%            5%

Rationale: There is an increasing chance for isolated R1-R2
(Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts on 06-08 May, primarily due to Region
4429 and an active region (likely old Region 4419) near L=330 (seen in
Solar Orbiter imagery and expected to rotate into view on 08 May).


Extended Space Weather Discussion:

Solar Activity

.24 hr Summary...
Solar activity was at low levels during the reporting period. The
largest event was a long-duration C6.0 flare from departed Region 4424
(N17, L=197) from beyond the western limb. Occasional low-level C-class
flaring was observed from Region 4425 (N06W75, Hsx/alpha), with isolated
flaring noted from the remaining regions.

There are currently eight numbered regions on the visible disk. Most
regions showed various stages of decay and consolidation. Region 4428
(S23W78, Eso/beta) underwent slight decay, showing consolidation and
submergence with a decrease in trailer umbra and an almost total loss of
its trailing penumbra. Region 4429 (S05W33, Cai/beta-gamma) exhibited
minor decay, particularly in the trailing spots; however, localized new
flux emerged between the two main dipoles and ahead of the leader,
leading to a slight gamma configuration. Region 4431 (S16W01, Eso/beta)
showed notable submergence, particularly within its trailing spots which
lost all penumbra as the region simplifies toward a unipolar state.
Region 4432 (N13E12, Cai/beta) experienced minor decay in its
intermediary spots following a recent growth phase. Region 4433 (S16E43,
Dso/beta) showed consolidation within its leading spot group alongside
decay and a near-total loss of penumbra in its trailing spots. All other
regions were stable.

No Earth-directed CMEs were observed in available coronagraph imagery.

.Forecast...
Solar activity is expected to be at low levels through 08 May, with a
chance for isolated M-class flares (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate), primarily due
to Region 4429 and an active region (likely old Region 4419) near L=330
(seen in Solar Orbiter imagery and expected to rotate into view on 08
May).


Energetic Particle

.24 hr Summary...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at low
to moderate levels, with a peak flux of 337 pfu observed at 05/1520 UTC.
The greater than 10 MeV proton flux remained at background levels.

.Forecast...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to remain at low to
moderate levels on 06–07 May with the transition back toward a slow
solar wind regime. An increase to high levels is expected by 08 May due
to the anticipated onset of a positive polarity coronal hole high-speed
stream (+CH HSS). The greater than 10 MeV proton flux is expected to
remain at background levels through 08 May.

Solar Wind

.24 hr Summary...
Solar wind parameters reflected the continued passage of a slow-moving
CME that initially arrived at approximately 04/1200 UTC. Total magnetic
field (Bt) was sustained near 10–11 nT early in the period, while the
North-South component (Bz) initially ranged -7 nT and -10 nT. A gradual
rotation was observed early in the period, with Bz recovering toward
near-zero and turning northward by 05/0600 UTC. Bz briefly strengthened
to 10 nT around 05/1400 UTC. Solar wind speed steadily declined
throughout the day, decreasing from approximately 450 km/s to 350 km/s.
The phi angle remained predominantly in the negative (towards the Sun)
sector.


.Forecast...
Solar wind parameters are expected to continue declining toward nominal
background levels on 06 May. Minor enhancements are possible due to
potential glancing influences from a CME that departed the Sun on 30
April, though confidence in this impact is low. On 07 May, a solar
sector boundary crossing is anticipated, followed by the onset of a +CH
HSS that is expected to persist through 08 May.

Geospace

.24 hr Summary...
The geomagnetic field started the reporting period at G1 (Minor)
storming levels. Following the storming, the field experienced a single
unsettled period before returning to quiet levels for the remainder of
the period.


.Forecast...
The geomagnetic field is anticipated to be at mostly quiet to unsettled
levels on 06 May as CME influences wane, though isolated active periods
remain possible due to the low-confidence 30 April CME. Active
conditions are likely on 07 and 08 May following the onset of the +CH
HSS, with isolated G1 (Minor) storming periods possible.


27 Day Forecast:

Date | Radio Flux | Planetary A Index | Largest Kp Index
2026 May 04     140           8          3
2026 May 05     140           6          2
2026 May 06     135           6          2
2026 May 07     130           6          2
2026 May 08     135          12          4
2026 May 09     130          10          3
2026 May 10     130           6          2
2026 May 11     125           5          2
2026 May 12     125           5          2
2026 May 13     120           5          2
2026 May 14     115           5          2
2026 May 15     120          25          5
2026 May 16     120          20          5
2026 May 17     125          20          5
2026 May 18     130          15          4
2026 May 19     130           5          2
2026 May 20     130           5          2
2026 May 21     130           8          3
2026 May 22     120          10          3
2026 May 23     125          12          4
2026 May 24     125           5          2
2026 May 25     125           5          2
2026 May 26     130           5          2
2026 May 27     135          12          4
2026 May 28     135          10          3
2026 May 29     130           8          3
2026 May 30     125           8          3


  • GRAPH OPTIONS: Learn more
    It is recommended that you start out with the default options. As you get used to AF you can disable additional information and combine data series' together to maxamise the use of screen space.

  • DATA SOURCES: Learn more
    Some data sources can only be enabled or disabled via the tick box. Others are disabled using the slider set to 0, or enabled by setting the slider from 0.5 to 4. This number also represents the thinkness of the line plot onto the graph.

  • 'The' Aurora Forecast Index: Learn more
    These are two good options for predicting Auroras.

    The Aurora Forecast Index takes into account many data sources. As a general rule if it stays high for many hours there is a good possibility of an Aurora present.

    Aurora Forecast website usage is also a good indicator, as visitors to the site come from many traffic sources. General internet and community chatter transplating to visits is a great indicator.

  • Planatary K Index (Kp): Learn more
    The Kp number is a system of measuring aurora strength. The range goes from 0 to 9 (0 being calm, 1 very weak, all the way up to 9, which would represent a major geomagnetic storm with strong auroras visible).

    Kp 5 and above is classified as a geomagnetic storm. Most Aurora Hunters consider prolonged 3+ or higher worth investigation.

  • Ovation (Model) Short Term Forecast (GW):' Learn more
    The Ovation-Prime Model produced by SWPC calculates the energy interacting with the Earths magnetic field. This is a good indicator for Aurora activity.
  • DSCOVR Observatory (L1): Learn more

    The DSCOVR or Deep Space Climate Obervatory sits 1.5 million Kilometers from Earth, between the Earth and the Sun in the L1 orbit point, the neutral gravity point between the Earth and the Sun. DSCOVR provides space weather readings, allowing for up to an hour of warning on weather events. This is why DSCOVR's data appears in the future on the graph.

    Strong negative Bz direction is linked to Aurora's because the solar wind magnetic direction is in direct oposition with the Earths magnetic field.

  • ACE Observatory (L1): Learn more

    ACE or Advanced Composition Explorer sits 1.5 million Kilometers from Earth, between the Earth and the Sun in the L1 orbit point, the neutral gravity point between the Earth and the Sun. ACE has now been replaced by DSCOVR, but the data is still useful for comparing to DSCOVR.
  • GOES Satalites: Learn more

    GOES or Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites sit 46 Kilometers above the Earth in geostationary orbit. They provide local space weather data and are a good indicator for current geomagnetic conditions.

  • Terrestrial Magnetometer Sources: Learn more
    Terrestrial or surface magnetometers detect fluctuations in the Earths magnetic field from the ground.
    These do not work as well as satalites as the magnetic field obsorbs some of the effects from the solar winds.
    There is a mix of govenment and citizen science stations listed here, including two run by Aurora Forecast in Hobart.
  • User Magnetometer ID's: Learn more
    If you have a TAFS Magnetometer and you want to add it to the graph you can do it here.
    Insent your Mag's Unique ID.

 

v4.16b

Aurora Forecast is free to use, however it takes a lot of time and effort to maintain. If you find it useful and are a regular user then please consider making a donation to keep it running. Feedback is always welcome.


v4.X Release 17th Dec 2020)
Fixed New GOES and HPI inputs from noaa for Json (17/12/20).
Addded the ability to add 2 custom Magnetometers in settings (comming soon) (18/10/19).
Improved Hobart Magnetometer code. (18/18/19)
Move all presets into their own pop out side menu. (19/06/19)
Added Composite weather maps (TAS, VIC and SA), thanks to Oz forecast! (19/06/19)
UI Upgrades, Name, Logo and Website Site Changes.
Added custom line widths for most items.
Added GOES Difference (#1 - #2)
Added Ovation-prime model outputs.

v3.8x
Various Updates, New AF Index Algo. (8/12/18)

v3.6x
Added more Presets. Disabled Presets overwriting graph views (6/7/18)
Added GeoSpace Kp Model Prediction. (3/7/18)
Added SWPC Kp Forecast + Observation. (2/7/18)
Removed WingKP and USKp. :( No longer Avaliable. (2/7/18)
Removed feed from www.dunedinaurora.nz (Unreliable). (2/7/18)
Updates to latest JQuery, JQuery Mobile and AmCharts etc. (2/7/18)
Enhanced Pro setting with Dynamic Preasure. (2/7/18)
Added Quickselect preset buttons to main page. (2/7/18)
 
v3.5x
Added Ruru Observatory Magnetometer. (25/4/28)
Added Forecast Sub Tabset. (1/3/18)
Added Extended Discussion Text, 27Day FC (1/3/18)
Removed Dial, and Added Forecast Report. (28/2/18)
Updated A few settings for better visilation. (28/2/18)
Updated Goes-13 is Now Goes-14 (15/2/18)
Improved Commmunity Activity for faster loads.
Consolidated Proton Density / Dynamic Preasure.
Added Additional Balloon Text.
Added TAFS Visual Probability in %.
User Interface Upgrades.
Add 'Dial' for the basics, with default support.
Added one click presets.
 
v2.1 - v2.49
Added 'Automatic Chart Update' option in settings.
Database caching enabled, significant load time improvements.
Extension to max 96 hours of data, up from 24.
Added ACE Bt,Bx and By for comparison.
Added More User Presets.
Fixed Orentation Change Alert.
Small layout changes.
Added Header Image.
Removed Top Header to fee up Space, Refresh added to Chart Tab.
Added Community Activity Indicator
Fixed MAG value issues in graph.
Added Second Hobart MAG Source.
Updated Comment Features (Disable).
 
v2.0
Fixed DSCOVR B? display bug.
Added MAG Stack Feature.
Upgrade to json feeds.
Feeds are timezone and forecast aware, making them super fast.
DB Optimisation, improved DB search times.
Charts are now zoomable, allow selection and export.
Added USAF Kp, Updated Wing Kp.
Added Ovation Aurora Short Term Forecast.
Added Macquarie Island MAG feed.
Added Mawson MAG Feed.
Added Canberra Feed.
Added MAG feed from www.dunedinaurora.nz (Portobello).
Added Brendan's experemental MAG feed (Hobart).
Fixed cookie bug, One Alert is enough for landscape mode.
 
> v1.0 (Started 20/10/2014)

  Mawson and Macquarie Island data is copyright Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), and redistributed under Creative Commons v4.
Thanks to INTERMAGNET for promoting high standards of magnetic observatory practice in providing access to these feeds. (www.intermagnet.org).

Local Australian weather composite maps provided by Oz Forecast


Aurora Forecast is free to use, however it takes a lot of time and effort to maintain.
Why not make a donation to keep it running?
Feedback is always welcome. - ©2022 Brendan Davey