Amplibee
What is Aurora Borealis Forecast?
It is a free tool that tells you whether the northern lights are likely to be visible tonight from your own ZIP code.
It reads the NOAA Kp forecast and then adjusts for how dark, cloudy and moonlit it is where you are.
How does it work out the forecast?
It compares the forecast Kp with the Kp needed at your latitude, then adds darkness, cloud cover and moonlight for your exact ZIP.
- Kp needed comes from the NOAA Space Weather Scales, which give latitudes for Kp 6 to 9
- Values north of about 55 degrees geomagnetic latitude are the site’s own extrapolation
- Cloud forecasts come from the National Weather Service and the data refreshes every 5 minutes
What is Kp?
Kp is a scale of geomagnetic activity from 0 to 9. A higher number means the aurora can be seen farther from the poles.
The site lists the Kp each major US city needs, next to tonight’s forecast peak, so you can see how close it is.
Can I get alerts?
Yes. You can sign up for free email alerts that tell you when aurora is likely at your ZIP code.
Does it cover the next few nights?
Yes. A three-night view shows the forecast peak Kp for each night, along with a link to the full three-day forecast and NOAA map.
Alternatives to Aurora Borealis Forecast
Aurora forecasts range from raw NOAA maps to mobile apps with alerts. This tool starts from your ZIP code and gives a plain answer for tonight.
- NOAA Space Weather Prediction CenterThe official aurora forecast and map from NOAA.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast ↗
- SpaceWeatherLiveA site with detailed solar and geomagnetic data, maps and alerts.spaceweatherlive.com ↗
- My Aurora ForecastA mobile app with aurora forecasts and notifications.myaurora-forecast.com ↗
How Aurora Borealis Forecast compares
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora Borealis Forecast | A quick yes or no for your ZIP code, with cloud, darkness and moon included | US ZIP codes only and a simpler view than a full space weather dashboard |
| NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center | People who want the source data and the live oval map | No local answer for your cloud cover or darkness |
| SpaceWeatherLive | Enthusiasts who want in-depth space weather data | More detail than a casual viewer needs |
| My Aurora Forecast | People who want a phone app with alerts | An app to install rather than a page to open |
Aurora Borealis Forecast is a fit if you want a quick answer for tonight at your ZIP code. For the live oval map and raw data, go to NOAA; for deep space weather detail, use a dedicated dashboard.
Questions people ask about Aurora Borealis Forecast
What is Aurora Borealis Forecast?
A free web tool that forecasts whether the northern lights are visible tonight from a US ZIP code.
Is it free?
Yes. The forecast, the city outlooks and the email alerts are free.
Where does the data come from?
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center for Kp and aurora forecasts, the National Weather Service for clouds and GeoNames for ZIP locations.
Does it work outside the US?
It is built around US ZIP codes, so it is aimed at the US.
Is it affiliated with NOAA?
No. The site says it is not affiliated with NOAA and credits NOAA as its data source.
Does it account for clouds?
Yes. The ZIP forecast includes cloud cover, darkness and moonlight, not only Kp.
What are the alternatives to Aurora Borealis Forecast?
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, SpaceWeatherLive and the My Aurora Forecast app are alternatives. They differ in map detail and in how much they tailor to your location.
