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Ovation: South
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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.


Solar-terrestrial indices for 26 April follow.
Solar flux 156 and estimated planetary A-index 14.
The estimated planetary K-index at 1800 UTC on 27 April was 1.67.

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 3 (below NOAA
Scale levels).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Apr 27-Apr 29 2026 is 3.33 (below NOAA
Scale levels).

NOAA Kp index breakdown Apr 27-Apr 29 2026

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

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-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 is a slight chance the greater than 10 MeV proton flux
could reach S1 (Minor) levels, but is mainly expected to remain at
background levels 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           70%           70%           70%
R3 or greater   25%           25%           25%

Rationale: There is a high likelihood for R1/R2 (Minor/Moderate) radio
blackouts, and a slight chance for R3 (Strong or greater) events through
29 Apr, due primarily to the complexity of regions 4420 and 4425.


Extended Space Weather Discussion:

Solar Activity

.24 hr Summary...
Solar activity reached high levels as Regions 4420 (N16W23,
Fkc/beta-gamma-delta) and 4425 (N04E43, Eac/beta-gamma-delta) continued
to dominate flare production. Region 4420 produced an M1.4 (R1-Minor)
flare at 26/1403 UTC, an M1.7/1f (R1-Minor) flare at 26/1924 UTC, and an
M6.0 (R2-Moderate) flare at 26/2257 UTC. This event had an associated
Type II radio sweep (est. 834 km/s) and an F10cm (260 sfu) radio burst.
Despite the indications, no evidence of an associated CME was observed
in coronagraph imagery. This region added several C-class flares as
well.

Region 4425 contributed an M2.2/1n (R1-Minor) flare at 26/2004 UTC, an
M1.0/Sf (R1-Minor) flare at 27/0645 UTC, and a notable C9.7/Sf flare at
28/1803 UTC. Region 4420 exhibited some reorganization in its leader
spots with minor decay in its intermediate spots. Region 4425 continued
to grow and evolve, adding several intermediate and trailing spots. Both
spot groups maintained their delta magnetic configurations.

The remaining regions were stable or in slight decay.

.Forecast...
Solar activity is expected to be at low levels, with a high likelihood
to reach moderate levels (R1/R2-Minor/Moderate), and a slight chance for
X-class (R3/Strong or greater) events through 29 Apr, due primarily to
the complexity of regions 4420 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 moderate to
high levels 27-29 Apr under persistent but waning influence of a
positive polarity coronal hole high speed stream (+CH HSS). There is a
slight chance the greater than 10 MeV proton flux could reach S1 (Minor)
levels, but is mainly expected to remain at background levels 27-29 Apr.

Solar Wind

.24 hr Summary...
Solar wind parameters continued to reflect +CH HSS influence with
possible weak transient effects mixed in. Total magnetic field (Bt)
began the period at approximately 8 nT, saw a low of 2 nT, and
fluctuated the latter half of the period between 3-6 nT. The Bz
component was mostly northward at the beginning of the period, then
fluctuated between +/- 5 nT for the remainder. Solar wind speeds
generally averaged near 455 km/s, with a brief periods closer to 485
km/s. Phi oscillated between positive and negative orientations for most
of the reporting period.

.Forecast...
Solar wind parameters are expected to return to near-background levels
on 27 Apr into 28 Apr. An increase in activity, with the onset of a -CH
HSS, will likely bring enhancements back to the solar wind environment
late on 29 Apr due to the anticipated arrival of a CIR ahead of a -CH
HSS.

Geospace

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

.Forecast...
An isolated active period is still possible 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 anticipated late on 29 Apr with the arrival of a CIR
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