What is Kp index for Northern Lights?
The KP-index has a range of 0-9, and, generally speaking, has the following implications for the Northern Lights forecast: The higher the KP-index the further south you can see the Northern Lights. The higher the KP-index the more likely you are to see a big Northern Lights display at a high latitude.
Can you forecast aurora borealis?
The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska has an excellent website, which allows you to view predicted activity in all auroral regions. You can also sign up for Northern Lights forecast email alerts that tell you when activity rises above four to five on the Kp scale.
When can you see the northern lights in Alaska in 2022?
So the season stretches from late August through to late April. Winter being the best season is a myth. You can spot absolutely stunning aurora borealis displays in September or October, as well as March or April. The best time to look for the shimmering lights is between midnight and 2 am.
Can you see aurora with KP 2?
This is because Kp1, Kp2 and, to a lesser extent, Kp3 are by far the most common levels of geomagnetic activity. This restricts regular Auroral displays to an area around, and just above, the Arctic Circle. Essentially, that is where you have the very best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
What KP is good for aurora?
If the Kp is 5 or greater, the better your chances of seeing an aurora. You can check out the SWPC Estimated Planetary Kp graph to see what has been happening during the past few days. The red bars indicate a Kp higher than 4, which makes your odds of seeing an aurora greater.
Is 2022 a good year for northern lights?
“There will continue to be aurora viewing opportunities in 2022,” Steenburgh said. “The solar cycle is indeed ramping up and as solar activity increases, so do the chances for Earth-directed blobs of plasma, the coronal mass ejections, which drive the geomagnetic storms and aurora.”
Where in the US can you see the northern lights in February 2022?
Here are 11 of the best places to catch sight of the northern lights around the world.
- Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks, Alaska has so many winter sports, it’s the perfect place for active travelers (or spectators)!
- Yellowknife, Canada.
- Manitoba, Canada.
- Cherry Springs State Park.
- Ilulissat, Greenland.
- Iceland.
- Sumburgh.
- Tromsø
What does a Kp-index of 5 mean?
As mentioned previously the Kp-Index ranges from 0 to 9 representing geomagnetic activity on an increasing scale. When it reaches Kp5, activity is said to have reached storm level and is also measured using the Geomagnetic G-scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (Extreme).
Where can I find information about the current auroral conditions?
Visit the magnetometer monitor for a chart of the current conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) OVATION Aurora Forecast Model is updated every 30 minutes. The animation shows auroral activity that occurred over the Northern Hemisphere in the last 24 hours.
What is the Ovation Aurora forecast model?
The OVATION Aurora Forecast Model shows the intensity and location of the aurora predicted for the time shown at the top of the map. This probability forecast is based on current solar wind conditions measured at L1, but using a fixed 30-minute delay time between L1 and Earth.
What is an Aurora forecast?
This is a short-term forecast of the location and intensity of the aurora. This product is based on the OVATION model and provides a 30 to 90 minute forecast of the location and intensity of the aurora. The forecast lead time is the time it takes for the solar wind to travel from the L1 observation point to Earth.
How does the Aurora tracker predict my viewing opportunities?
The Aurora Tracker correlates three individual streams of data in order to predict northern lights viewing opportunities for six locations in the Fairbanks region. Switch between viewing locations, different days and various times of day to check your viewing chances. Check back often as this data changes frequently.