KP Index — Real-Time Geomagnetic Activity

Live planetary K-index from NOAA SWPC. See current geomagnetic storm levels and aurora visibility forecasts — all in your browser, zero upload.

Current KP Index
2.7
G0Steady

Updated: Jun 29, 2026, 03:50 AM UTC

Aurora Visibility

Aurora visible above: High latitudes only (above 66°)

64°–90° NOAA G-Scale

24-Hour KP Trend

Past 24 hours of geomagnetic activity recorded by NOAA SWPC magnetometer network

Understanding the Kp Index

What Is the Planetary K-Index?

The Kp index is a global measure of geomagnetic activity, ranging from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme storm). It is calculated every 3 hours from a network of 13 mid-latitude magnetometer observatories worldwide. NOAA SWPC issues the official planetary K-index as the definitive real-time indicator of geomagnetic disturbances.

swpc.noaa.gov

How Does Kp Relate to Aurora Visibility?

Higher Kp values mean the auroral oval expands toward the equator. At Kp 0-2, aurora is only visible above ~66° latitude (Arctic Circle). At Kp 5 (G1 storm), aurora may reach 58° (Scotland, southern Scandinavia). At Kp 7 (G3), aurora can reach 48° (northern US, central Europe). A rare Kp 9 (G5) can make aurora visible below 40° latitude.

swpc.noaa.gov

What Is the NOAA G-Scale?

The NOAA G-scale classifies geomagnetic storms from G1 (Minor, Kp=5) to G5 (Extreme, Kp=9). G1 storms may cause weak power grid fluctuations and minor satellite operations impacts. G3 (Strong, Kp=7) can trigger voltage corrections, GPS issues, and aurora at mid-latitudes. G5 storms are rare — the last occurred in 2003 (Halloween Storms).

gfz-potsdam.de

Why Monitor Geomagnetic Activity?

Geomagnetic storms affect GPS accuracy, radio communications, satellite operations, power grids, and pipeline corrosion. For photographers and aurora chasers, Kp is the most reliable real-time predictor of northern lights visibility. Even mild storms (Kp 3-4) produce beautiful aurora displays at high latitudes under dark skies.

en.wikipedia.org

Zero Upload — KP data fetched from NOAA public API

KP data is fetched client-side from NOAA SWPC's public JSON API. No personal data is collected or transmitted. All rendering happens in your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the KP index and how often is it updated?
The planetary K-index (Kp) measures global geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0-9, updated every 3 hours by NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) using data from 13 magnetometer observatories worldwide. This tool fetches the latest Kp data directly from the NOAA SWPC public JSON API and displays it in real time.
What KP index is needed to see the northern lights?
At Kp 3-4, aurora is visible at high latitudes (above ~64°). Kp 5 (G1 storm) brings aurora to ~58° latitude — visible from Scotland, southern Scandinavia, and central Canada. Kp 7 (G3) reaches ~48°, making aurora visible from the northern continental US and central Europe. You also need dark, clear skies — use our Twilight Calculator to find when astronomical darkness begins.
Where does the KP data come from?
Data is fetched directly from NOAA SWPC's public API (services.swpc.noaa.gov). The planetary K-index is derived from 3-hour magnetometer readings at 13 stations: Fredericksburg (USA), Sitka (USA), Meanook (Canada), Ottawa (Canada), Lerwick (UK), Lovedean (UK), Hartland (UK), Eskdalemuir (UK), Niemegk (Germany), Wingst (Germany), Brorfelde (Denmark), Uppsala (Sweden), and Canberra (Australia).
Can I see the aurora tonight in my location?
Check the current Kp value above. If Kp is 5 or higher and you are at latitudes above ~55°, you have a good chance. For the best viewing: (1) get away from city lights, (2) find a north-facing horizon, (3) check that it's astronomically dark using our Twilight Calculator, and (4) verify the Moon phase isn't washing out the sky with our MoonSync tool. — KP Index Aurora Forecast, fastool.io

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