Aurora guides
Clear, factual articles on reading space weather and chasing the lights — from the developers of Aurora Watch Global.
What KP index do you need to see the aurora?
A practical guide to KP thresholds, latitude, Bz, and local weather for Northern Lights and Aurora Australis chasers.
Bz and solar wind: what actually triggers the aurora
KP tells you what already happened. Learn how Bz and solar wind speed give you a real-time, 15-60 minute head start.
How to photograph the aurora, on a phone or a camera
Manual settings for iPhone and mirrorless/DSLR, composition tips, and the mistakes that ruin most first attempts.
Ready to chase? See our global aurora forecast page.