Live Aurora Map & Forecast Tracker - Northern Lights Tonight UK
Source: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. Updated every 30 minutes.
🌟 Where Aurora is Visible Right Now
No locations with visible aurora right now. Check back soon or enable notifications in the app.
What is the KP Index?
The KP index measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9. Higher KP means stronger aurora that can be seen further south from the magnetic poles.
KP 0-2: Weak activity — visible only in far north (Shetland, Orkney)
KP 3-5: Moderate — visible in northern UK (Inverness, Aberdeen, Belfast)
KP 6-7: Strong — visible across much of the UK (Manchester, Birmingham, London)
KP 8-9: Extreme — visible across the UK, even southern England (rare events)
Important: We factor in more than just KP — cloud cover, moon phase, and darkness all affect visibility. Even with high KP, you won't see aurora if clouds block the sky or during full moon.
AuroraMe app
See the full aurora-forecast
- Real-time KP & Weather
- Push Alerts
- Live Aurora Map
- Cloud Cover Forecast
Frequently Asked Questions
What KP do I need?
Your required KP depends on magnetic latitude. Northern locations need lower KP values. Check your city page for the exact threshold calculated from your MLAT.
When is the best time?
Use the "best hour tonight" feature on each city page. It combines KP forecast, cloud cover, and darkness window to find optimal viewing time.
Can I see aurora in summer?
Aurora needs darkness to be visible. Summer's long daylight and bright moonlight significantly reduce aurora visibility, even during strong activity.
How accurate are aurora predictions?
AuroraMe combines 4 reality factors: NOAA OVATION space weather, cloud coverage, moon phase, and darkness windows. Location-specific KP thresholds are calibrated from 3+ years of historical data (8,768+ measurements).
What's included in Aurora History?
Multi-year statistical analysis with best months algorithm, calendar heatmap (12 months × 4 weeks), yesterday's observation windows, and location-calibrated frequency (Lerwick ~50 nights/year vs London ~5 nights/year).
How do quiet hours work?
Quiet hours prevent notifications during sleep (default 11 PM - 7 AM, customizable per location). Progressive urgency: strong aurora activity overrides quiet hours. 30-minute cooldown between alerts.