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Alerts:
Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
Serial Number: 5189
Issue Time: 2025 Dec 18 1756 UTC

EXTENDED WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 4 expected
Extension to Serial Number: 5188
Valid From: 2025 Dec 17 2044 UTC
Now Valid Until: 2025 Dec 18 2359 UTC
Warning Condition: Persistence
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 65 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes such as Canada and Alaska.

Space Weather Message Code: ALTEF3
Serial Number: 3577
Issue Time: 2025 Dec 18 1106 UTC

CONTINUED ALERT: Electron 2MeV Integral Flux exceeded 1000pfu
Continuation of Serial Number: 3576
Begin Time: 2025 Dec 17 1405 UTC
Yesterday Maximum 2MeV Flux: 1632 pfu
Potential Impacts: Satellite systems may experience significant charging resulting in increased risk to satellite systems.

Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
Serial Number: 5188
Issue Time: 2025 Dec 18 0557 UTC

EXTENDED WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 4 expected
Extension to Serial Number: 5187
Valid From: 2025 Dec 17 2044 UTC
Now Valid Until: 2025 Dec 18 1800 UTC
Warning Condition: Persistence
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 65 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes such as Canada and Alaska.

Space Weather Message Code: WARK05
Serial Number: 2157
Issue Time: 2025 Dec 18 0556 UTC

EXTENDED WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 expected
Extension to Serial Number: 2156
Valid From: 2025 Dec 17 2221 UTC
Now Valid Until: 2025 Dec 18 1500 UTC
Warning Condition: Persistence
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft - Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.

Space Weather Message Code: WARK04
Serial Number: 5187
Issue Time: 2025 Dec 18 0318 UTC

EXTENDED WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 4 expected
Extension to Serial Number: 5186
Valid From: 2025 Dec 17 2044 UTC
Now Valid Until: 2025 Dec 18 1200 UTC
Warning Condition: Persistence
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 65 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes such as Canada and Alaska.

Space Weather Message Code: ALTK05
Serial Number: 1931
Issue Time: 2025 Dec 18 0002 UTC

ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 5
Synoptic Period: 2100-2400 UTC
Active Warning: Yes
NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft - Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.

Space Weather Message Code: WARK05
Serial Number: 2156
Issue Time: 2025 Dec 17 2221 UTC

WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 expected
Valid From: 2025 Dec 17 2221 UTC
Valid To: 2025 Dec 18 0600 UTC
Warning Condition: Onset
NOAA Scale: G1 - Minor
www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation
Potential Impacts: Area of impact primarily poleward of 60 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude.
Induced Currents - Weak power grid fluctuations can occur.
Spacecraft - Minor impact on satellite operations possible.
Aurora - Aurora may be visible at high latitudes, i.e., northern tier of the U.S. such as northern Michigan and Maine.


Solar-terrestrial indices for 18 December follow.
Solar flux 116 and estimated planetary A-index 18.
The estimated planetary K-index at 2100 UTC on 18 December was 3.00.

Space weather for the past 24 hours has been minor.
Geomagnetic storms reaching the G1 level occurred.

No space weather storms are predicted for the next 24 hours.


Geo Magnetic Forecast:

NOAA Ap Index Forecast
Observed Ap 17 Dec 018
Estimated Ap 18 Dec 018
Predicted Ap 19 Dec-21 Dec 010-008-005

NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Probabilities 19 Dec-21 Dec
Active                25/20/10
Minor storm           15/10/01
Moderate storm        05/01/01
Strong-Extreme storm  01/01/01

NOAA Kp index forecast 19 Dec - 21 Dec
             Dec 19    Dec 20    Dec 21
00-03UT        3.00      2.67      1.67
03-06UT        3.00      2.67      1.33
06-09UT        2.67      2.33      1.33
09-12UT        2.00      1.67      1.33
12-15UT        1.67      1.67      1.67
15-18UT        1.33      1.33      1.33
18-21UT        1.33      2.00      1.67
21-00UT        2.67      2.00      1.33


Extended Three Day Forecast:

A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast

The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 5 (NOAA Scale
G1).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Dec 18-Dec 20 2025 is 4.67 (NOAA Scale
G1).

NOAA Kp index breakdown Dec 18-Dec 20 2025

             Dec 18       Dec 19       Dec 20
00-03UT       4.33         3.00         2.67
03-06UT       2.67         3.00         2.67
06-09UT       3.67         2.67         2.33
09-12UT       3.33         2.00         1.67
12-15UT       4.67 (G1)    1.67         1.67
15-18UT       2.00         1.33         1.33
18-21UT       2.33         1.33         2.00
21-00UT       3.00         2.67         2.00

Rationale: G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storms are expected on 18 Dec due to
persistent CH HSS influences.

B. NOAA Solar Radiation Activity Observation and Forecast

Solar radiation, as observed by NOAA GOES-18 over the past 24 hours, was
below S-scale storm level thresholds.

Solar Radiation Storm Forecast for Dec 18-Dec 20 2025

              Dec 18  Dec 19  Dec 20
S1 or greater    1%      1%      1%

Rationale: No S1 (Minor) or greater solar radiation storms are expected.
No significant active region activity favorable for radiation storm
production is forecast.

C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast

No radio blackouts were observed over the past 24 hours.

Radio Blackout Forecast for Dec 18-Dec 20 2025

              Dec 18        Dec 19        Dec 20
R1-R2           15%           15%           15%
R3 or greater    1%            1%            1%

Rationale: There is a slight chance for R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio
blackouts through 20 Dec.


Extended Space Weather Discussion:

Solar Activity

.24 hr Summary...
Solar activity was at low levels with only C-class flares, mostly from
new Region 4312 (N17E62, Hax/alpha). Region 4307 (S15W81, Dao/beta)
showed slight growth and consolidation as it neared the SW limb. Slight
decay and separation was observed in Region 4311 (N03W05, Cso/beta). The
rest of the spotted regions were either stable or in decay.

Beginning at approximately 17/1230 UTC, an approximate 13 degree
filament eruption, centered near N37E12, was observed in SUVI 304
imagery. CME analysis is ongoing for this event. No other potentially
Earth-directed CMEs were observed.

.Forecast...
Solar activity is expected to be low with a slight chance for M-class
flares (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) on 18-20 Dec.

Energetic Particle

.24 hr Summary...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux briefly reached high levels with a
peak flux of 1,630 pfu observed at 17/1440 UTC. The greater than 10 MeV
proton flux remained steady at background levels during the period.

.Forecast...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to remain at moderate
to high levels through 18 Dec with a chance for high levels on 19 Dec
due to HSS influences. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux is expected
to persist at background levels over 17-19 Dec.

Solar Wind

.24 hr Summary...
Solar wind parameters continued under the influence of a negative
polarity CH HSS. Solar wind speed was mostly in the 550-650 km/s range.
Total field ranged from 1-9 nT while the Bz component was between +/-7
nT. Phi angle was mostly negative.

.Forecast...
Solar wind parameters are expected to continue to be enhanced through 18
Dec under negative polarity CH HSS influence. HSS influences are
expected to gradually diminish over 19-20 Dec.

Geospace

.24 hr Summary...
The geomagnetic field was at quiet to G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storming
levels due to persistent CH HSS activity.

.Forecast...
The geomagnetic field is expected to be at unsettled to G1 (Minor) storm
levels through 18 Dec as HSS activity persists. Quiet to unsettled
levels are expected on 19-20 Dec as HSS activity gradually wanes.


27 Day Forecast:

Date | Radio Flux | Planetary A Index | Largest Kp Index
2025 Dec 15     120          10          3
2025 Dec 16     120           8          3
2025 Dec 17     120          10          3
2025 Dec 18     120          15          5
2025 Dec 19     115          12          4
2025 Dec 20     115          10          3
2025 Dec 21     115           5          2
2025 Dec 22     125          20          5
2025 Dec 23     135          20          5
2025 Dec 24     145          25          5
2025 Dec 25     155          20          5
2025 Dec 26     165          20          5
2025 Dec 27     175          15          4
2025 Dec 28     180          10          3
2025 Dec 29     175           8          3
2025 Dec 30     180          30          6
2025 Dec 31     180          25          5
2026 Jan 01     175          10          3
2026 Jan 02     170          10          3
2026 Jan 03     170           8          3
2026 Jan 04     170           5          2
2026 Jan 05     170           5          2
2026 Jan 06     170           5          2
2026 Jan 07     150           5          2
2026 Jan 08     140           5          2
2026 Jan 09     135          15          5
2026 Jan 10     125          10          3


  • GRAPH OPTIONS: Learn more
    It is recommended that you start out with the default options. As you get used to AF you can disable additional information and combine data series' together to maxamise the use of screen space.

  • DATA SOURCES: Learn more
    Some data sources can only be enabled or disabled via the tick box. Others are disabled using the slider set to 0, or enabled by setting the slider from 0.5 to 4. This number also represents the thinkness of the line plot onto the graph.

  • 'The' Aurora Forecast Index: Learn more
    These are two good options for predicting Auroras.

    The Aurora Forecast Index takes into account many data sources. As a general rule if it stays high for many hours there is a good possibility of an Aurora present.

    Aurora Forecast website usage is also a good indicator, as visitors to the site come from many traffic sources. General internet and community chatter transplating to visits is a great indicator.

  • Planatary K Index (Kp): Learn more
    The Kp number is a system of measuring aurora strength. The range goes from 0 to 9 (0 being calm, 1 very weak, all the way up to 9, which would represent a major geomagnetic storm with strong auroras visible).

    Kp 5 and above is classified as a geomagnetic storm. Most Aurora Hunters consider prolonged 3+ or higher worth investigation.

  • Ovation (Model) Short Term Forecast (GW):' Learn more
    The Ovation-Prime Model produced by SWPC calculates the energy interacting with the Earths magnetic field. This is a good indicator for Aurora activity.
  • DSCOVR Observatory (L1): Learn more

    The DSCOVR or Deep Space Climate Obervatory sits 1.5 million Kilometers from Earth, between the Earth and the Sun in the L1 orbit point, the neutral gravity point between the Earth and the Sun. DSCOVR provides space weather readings, allowing for up to an hour of warning on weather events. This is why DSCOVR's data appears in the future on the graph.

    Strong negative Bz direction is linked to Aurora's because the solar wind magnetic direction is in direct oposition with the Earths magnetic field.

  • ACE Observatory (L1): Learn more

    ACE or Advanced Composition Explorer sits 1.5 million Kilometers from Earth, between the Earth and the Sun in the L1 orbit point, the neutral gravity point between the Earth and the Sun. ACE has now been replaced by DSCOVR, but the data is still useful for comparing to DSCOVR.
  • GOES Satalites: Learn more

    GOES or Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites sit 46 Kilometers above the Earth in geostationary orbit. They provide local space weather data and are a good indicator for current geomagnetic conditions.

  • Terrestrial Magnetometer Sources: Learn more
    Terrestrial or surface magnetometers detect fluctuations in the Earths magnetic field from the ground.
    These do not work as well as satalites as the magnetic field obsorbs some of the effects from the solar winds.
    There is a mix of govenment and citizen science stations listed here, including two run by Aurora Forecast in Hobart.
  • User Magnetometer ID's: Learn more
    If you have a TAFS Magnetometer and you want to add it to the graph you can do it here.
    Insent your Mag's Unique ID.

 

v4.16b

Aurora Forecast is free to use, however it takes a lot of time and effort to maintain. If you find it useful and are a regular user then please consider making a donation to keep it running. Feedback is always welcome.


v4.X Release 17th Dec 2020)
Fixed New GOES and HPI inputs from noaa for Json (17/12/20).
Addded the ability to add 2 custom Magnetometers in settings (comming soon) (18/10/19).
Improved Hobart Magnetometer code. (18/18/19)
Move all presets into their own pop out side menu. (19/06/19)
Added Composite weather maps (TAS, VIC and SA), thanks to Oz forecast! (19/06/19)
UI Upgrades, Name, Logo and Website Site Changes.
Added custom line widths for most items.
Added GOES Difference (#1 - #2)
Added Ovation-prime model outputs.

v3.8x
Various Updates, New AF Index Algo. (8/12/18)

v3.6x
Added more Presets. Disabled Presets overwriting graph views (6/7/18)
Added GeoSpace Kp Model Prediction. (3/7/18)
Added SWPC Kp Forecast + Observation. (2/7/18)
Removed WingKP and USKp. :( No longer Avaliable. (2/7/18)
Removed feed from www.dunedinaurora.nz (Unreliable). (2/7/18)
Updates to latest JQuery, JQuery Mobile and AmCharts etc. (2/7/18)
Enhanced Pro setting with Dynamic Preasure. (2/7/18)
Added Quickselect preset buttons to main page. (2/7/18)
 
v3.5x
Added Ruru Observatory Magnetometer. (25/4/28)
Added Forecast Sub Tabset. (1/3/18)
Added Extended Discussion Text, 27Day FC (1/3/18)
Removed Dial, and Added Forecast Report. (28/2/18)
Updated A few settings for better visilation. (28/2/18)
Updated Goes-13 is Now Goes-14 (15/2/18)
Improved Commmunity Activity for faster loads.
Consolidated Proton Density / Dynamic Preasure.
Added Additional Balloon Text.
Added TAFS Visual Probability in %.
User Interface Upgrades.
Add 'Dial' for the basics, with default support.
Added one click presets.
 
v2.1 - v2.49
Added 'Automatic Chart Update' option in settings.
Database caching enabled, significant load time improvements.
Extension to max 96 hours of data, up from 24.
Added ACE Bt,Bx and By for comparison.
Added More User Presets.
Fixed Orentation Change Alert.
Small layout changes.
Added Header Image.
Removed Top Header to fee up Space, Refresh added to Chart Tab.
Added Community Activity Indicator
Fixed MAG value issues in graph.
Added Second Hobart MAG Source.
Updated Comment Features (Disable).
 
v2.0
Fixed DSCOVR B? display bug.
Added MAG Stack Feature.
Upgrade to json feeds.
Feeds are timezone and forecast aware, making them super fast.
DB Optimisation, improved DB search times.
Charts are now zoomable, allow selection and export.
Added USAF Kp, Updated Wing Kp.
Added Ovation Aurora Short Term Forecast.
Added Macquarie Island MAG feed.
Added Mawson MAG Feed.
Added Canberra Feed.
Added MAG feed from www.dunedinaurora.nz (Portobello).
Added Brendan's experemental MAG feed (Hobart).
Fixed cookie bug, One Alert is enough for landscape mode.
 
> v1.0 (Started 20/10/2014)

  Mawson and Macquarie Island data is copyright Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), and redistributed under Creative Commons v4.
Thanks to INTERMAGNET for promoting high standards of magnetic observatory practice in providing access to these feeds. (www.intermagnet.org).

Local Australian weather composite maps provided by Oz Forecast

Aurora Forecast is free to use, however it takes a lot of time and effort to maintain.
Why not make a donation to keep it running?
Feedback is always welcome. - ©2022 Brendan Davey