The official source. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center publishes 3-hourly KP index values going back decades. A KP 3+ at your longitude means aurora was likely visible.
The Dst and K-index archives show the strength and duration of geomagnetic activity. A strongly negative Dst (< -50 nT) indicates a major storm occurred.
Searching Instagram, X (Twitter) or Reddit for #northernlights + date gives real human reports. Aurora photographers regularly post time-stamped images.
Our app logs your local conditions whenever you check the forecast. Pro users can review their location's history and receive alerts when aurora occurs.
Major geomagnetic storms that produced widespread aurora in 2023–2024
The most powerful geomagnetic storm since 2003. Aurora visible across Europe, North America, and even parts of Australia and New Zealand. Caused by an X2.2 solar flare and CME from Active Region 13664.
Strong geomagnetic storm producing widespread aurora across Scandinavia and northern Europe. Iceland saw full-sky displays for several hours.
Solar wind high-speed stream triggered strong aurora in Nordic countries. Particularly visible from northern Iceland with excellent clear skies.
Severe geomagnetic storm from CME impact. Aurora visible across the northern hemisphere with vivid colors reported from multiple countries.
Use this to judge whether last night's KP was high enough to see aurora at your location
Aurora activity follows the 11-year solar cycle. We are currently in Solar Cycle 25, which reached solar maximum in late 2024 — explaining the exceptional aurora events of 2023–2024. Historically, the years around solar maximum produce the highest frequency and intensity of geomagnetic storms.
The equinox effect also means that March and September produce ~50% more geomagnetic storms than other months, even at the same solar activity level. This makes equinox months statistically the best time to see aurora at mid-latitudes.
Don't let the next storm pass you by — book a guided aurora tour with a professional guide.