Presets:


close
Ovation: South
North
Weather: TAS
Presets: Presets

Alerts:
Space Weather Message Code: ALTTP2
Serial Number: 1480
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 27 0106 UTC

ALERT: Type II Radio Emission
Begin Time: 2026 Apr 26 2257 UTC
Estimated Velocity: 834 km/s
Description: Type II emissions occur in association with eruptions on the sun and typically indicate a coronal mass ejection is associated with a flare event.

Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
Serial Number: 5330
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 26 2333 UTC

EXTENDED WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 4 expected
Extension to Serial Number: 5329
Valid From: 2026 Apr 26 0359 UTC
Now Valid Until: 2026 Apr 27 0900 UTC
Warning Condition: Persistence
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 65 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes such as Canada and Alaska.

Space Weather Message Code: SUMXM5
Serial Number: 314
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 26 2317 UTC

SUMMARY: X-ray Event exceeded M5
Begin Time: 2026 Apr 26 2251 UTC
Maximum Time: 2026 Apr 26 2257 UTC
End Time: 2026 Apr 26 2302 UTC
X-ray Class: M6.0
Location: N21W33
NOAA Scale: R2 - Moderate
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact centered primarily on sub-solar point on the sunlit side of Earth.
Radio - Limited blackout of HF (high frequency) radio communication for tens of minutes.

Space Weather Message Code: SUM10R
Serial Number: 909
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 26 2308 UTC

SUMMARY: 10cm Radio Burst
Begin Time: 2026 Apr 26 2256 UTC
Maximum Time: 2026 Apr 26 2257 UTC
End Time: 2026 Apr 26 2258 UTC
Duration: 1 minutes
Peak Flux: 260 sfu
Latest Penticton Noon Flux: 148 sfu
Description: A 10cm radio burst indicates that the electromagnetic burst associated with a solar flare at the 10cm wavelength was double or greater than the initial 10cm radio background. This can be indicative of significant radio noise in association with a solar flare. This noise is generally short-lived but can cause interference for sensitive receivers including radar, GPS, and satellite communications.

Space Weather Message Code: ALTXMF
Serial Number: 526
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 26 2300 UTC

ALERT: X-Ray Flux exceeded M5
Threshold Reached: 2026 Apr 26 2257 UTC
NOAA Scale: R2 - Moderate
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact centered on sub-solar point on the sunlit side of Earth. Extent of blackout of HF (high frequency) radio communication dependent upon current X-ray Flux intensity. For real-time information on affected area and expected duration please see http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/d-region-absorption-predictions-d-rap.

Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
Serial Number: 5329
Issue Time: 2026 Apr 26 1147 UTC

EXTENDED WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 4 expected
Extension to Serial Number: 5328
Valid From: 2026 Apr 26 0359 UTC
Now Valid Until: 2026 Apr 26 2359 UTC
Warning Condition: Persistence
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 65 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes such as Canada and Alaska.


Solar-terrestrial indices for 26 April follow.
Solar flux 156 and estimated planetary A-index 14.
The estimated planetary K-index at 0600 UTC on 27 April was 2.00.

Space weather for the past 24 hours has been moderate.
Radio blackouts reaching the R2 level occurred.

Space weather for the next 24 hours is predicted to be moderate.
Radio blackouts reaching the R2 level are likely.


Geo Magnetic Forecast:

NOAA Ap Index Forecast
Observed Ap 25 Apr 009
Estimated Ap 26 Apr 016
Predicted Ap 27 Apr-29 Apr 012-006-010

NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Probabilities 27 Apr-29 Apr
Active                45/15/20
Minor storm           05/01/15
Moderate storm        01/01/05
Strong-Extreme storm  01/01/01

NOAA Kp index forecast 27 Apr - 29 Apr
             Apr 27    Apr 28    Apr 29
00-03UT        3.67      2.33      2.00
03-06UT        3.33      2.00      2.33
06-09UT        3.00      1.33      1.67
09-12UT        2.33      1.00      1.33
12-15UT        2.00      1.67      1.00
15-18UT        1.33      1.33      2.67
18-21UT        2.33      1.67      3.00
21-00UT        2.33      2.00      3.33


Extended Three Day Forecast:

A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast

The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 4 (below NOAA
Scale levels).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Apr 27-Apr 29 2026 is 3.67 (below NOAA
Scale levels).

NOAA Kp index breakdown Apr 27-Apr 29 2026

             Apr 27       Apr 28       Apr 29
00-03UT       3.67         2.33         2.00
03-06UT       3.33         2.00         2.33
06-09UT       3.00         1.33         1.67
09-12UT       2.33         1.00         1.33
12-15UT       2.00         1.67         1.00
15-18UT       1.33         1.33         2.67
18-21UT       2.33         1.67         3.00
21-00UT       2.33         2.00         3.33

Rationale: No G1 (Minor) or greater geomagnetic storms are expected.

B. NOAA Solar Radiation Activity Observation and Forecast

Solar radiation, as observed by NOAA GOES-18 over the past 24 hours, was
below S-scale storm level thresholds.

Solar Radiation Storm Forecast for Apr 27-Apr 29 2026

              Apr 27  Apr 28  Apr 29
S1 or greater   10%     10%     10%

Rationale: There exists a slight chance for S1 (Minor) or greater solar
radiation storms over the next three days (27-29 Apr).

C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast

Radio blackouts reaching the R2 levels were observed over the past 24
hours. The largest was at Apr 26 2026 2257 UTC.

Radio Blackout Forecast for Apr 27-Apr 29 2026

              Apr 27        Apr 28        Apr 29
R1-R2           55%           55%           55%
R3 or greater   15%           15%           15%

Rationale: R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts remain likely, with a
slight chance for R3 (Strong), over 27-29 Apr due to the flare potential
from multiple complex regions on the Suns visible disk.


Extended Space Weather Discussion:

Solar Activity

.24 hr Summary...
Solar activity was at moderate levels during the reporting period.
Regions 4420 (N16W16, Fkc/beta-gamma-delta) and 4425 (N05E50,
Esc/beta-gamma-delta) were the primary drivers of activity, each
producing three M-class (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) and several C-class
flares. Region 4424 (N17E19, Dsi/beta) also contributed with C-class
flaring. The largest event of the period was an M6.0 (R2) flare from
Region 4420 at 26/2257 UTC. Associated with the event was Tenflare (260
sfu). Further coronagraph imagery is need to determine if a CME was
produced alongside the flare.

There are currently seven numbered regions on the visible disk. Region
4420 became more active during the period, exhibiting significant
evolution; early observations showed trailing spot fragmentation and
shear in the trailing spots and then significant flux emergence in the
leading spots later in the period. Region 4423 (S06E04, Dso/beta) is in
decay with notable cancellation in its intermediary spots and the loss
of its mixed magnetic configuration. Region 4424 showed growth and
consolidation, especially in its trailing spot. Region 4425 continued to
grow with new flux emergence and consolidation in its intermediate
spots. The region appears to have developed a couple of delta
configurations, though foreshortening continues to complicate full
characterization. All other regions were stable or in slight decay.

.Forecast...
Solar activity is likely to reach moderate levels
(R1/R2-Minor/Moderate), with a slight chance for X-class (R3/Strong or
greater) flares, through 29 Apr due primarily to the complexity of
regions 4420, 4424, and 4425.


Energetic Particle

.24 hr Summary...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at low
to moderate levels with a peak of 573 pfu at 26/1700 UTC. The greater
than 10 MeV proton flux at geosynchronous orbit was at background
levels.

.Forecast...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is anticipated to reach high levels
27 Apr under the waning influence of a positive polarity coronal hole
high speed stream (+CH HSS) before returning to moderate levels 28-29
Apr The greater than 10 MeV proton flux is expected to remain at
background levels 27-29 Apr.


Solar Wind

.24 hr Summary...
Solar wind parameters were largely indicative of +CH HSS regime for the
majority of the period. Total magnetic field (Bt) averaged approximately
8 nT, with a peak of 14.5 nT. The north-south (Bz) component was
variable, with deflections ranging from -14 nT to +12 nT. By the end of
the period; however, total magnetic field had decreased to around 5 nT.
Solar wind speeds were generally elevated, averaging near 455 km/s. Two
sector boundary crossings were observed late in the period, between
approximately 26/1800 UTC and 26/2000 UTC, as indicated by rapid
fluctuations in the phi angle, that were accompanied by enhancements in
density. Following these crossings, the phi angle transitioned into the
negative (towards the Sun) sector, where it remained for the end of the
reporting period.

.Forecast...
Further enhancements in the solar wind environment are anticipated on
27 Apr due to waning +CH HSS influence alongside possible glancing
influences from CMEs that departed the Sun on 24 Apr. Solar wind
parameters are expected to return to near-background levels by 28 Apr
before further enhancements are possible late on 29 Apr due to the
arrival of a compression region ahead of a -CH HSS.

Geospace

.24 hr Summary...
The geomagnetic field was quiet to active.

.Forecast...
Active periods are likely on 27 Apr as +CH HSS influences gradually
wane. A return to mostly quiet conditions, with possible isolated
unsettled levels, is expected by 28 Apr. Unsettled conditions are
possible late on 29 Apr with the arrival of the compression region ahead
of an anticipated -CH HSS.


27 Day Forecast:

Date | Radio Flux | Planetary A Index | Largest Kp Index
2026 Apr 27     155          12          4
2026 Apr 28     150           7          2
2026 Apr 29     150          10          3
2026 Apr 30     152          14          4
2026 May 01     152           8          3
2026 May 02     148           5          2
2026 May 03     142           8          3
2026 May 04     140           8          3
2026 May 05     140           5          2
2026 May 06     135           5          2
2026 May 07     135          20          5
2026 May 08     135          15          4
2026 May 09     120           8          3
2026 May 10     110           5          2
2026 May 11     115           5          2
2026 May 12     115           5          2
2026 May 13     120           5          2
2026 May 14     120           5          2
2026 May 15     118          25          5
2026 May 16     130          20          5
2026 May 17     135          20          4
2026 May 18     135          15          4
2026 May 19     135           5          2
2026 May 20     140           5          2
2026 May 21     140           8          3
2026 May 22     145          10          3
2026 May 23     145          12          4


  • 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