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Solar-terrestrial indices for 25 April follow.
Solar flux 148 and estimated planetary A-index 9.
The estimated planetary K-index at 0300 UTC on 26 April was 2.67.

Space weather for the past 24 hours has been minor.
Radio blackouts reaching the R1 level occurred.

Space weather for the next 24 hours is predicted to be moderate.
Geomagnetic storms reaching the G1 level are likely.
Radio blackouts reaching the R2 level are likely.


Geo Magnetic Forecast:

NOAA Ap Index Forecast
Observed Ap 24 Apr 009
Estimated Ap 25 Apr 014
Predicted Ap 26 Apr-28 Apr 020-014-008

NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Probabilities 26 Apr-28 Apr
Active                30/45/20
Minor storm           45/10/01
Moderate storm        05/01/01
Strong-Extreme storm  01/01/01

NOAA Kp index forecast 26 Apr - 28 Apr
             Apr 26    Apr 27    Apr 28
00-03UT        4.67      3.67      2.33
03-06UT        4.33      3.00      2.00
06-09UT        3.33      2.67      2.00
09-12UT        3.33      2.33      2.00
12-15UT        2.33      2.00      2.33
15-18UT        2.33      2.33      2.00
18-21UT        3.00      3.33      2.00
21-00UT        3.33      3.33      2.00


Extended Three Day Forecast:

A. NOAA Geomagnetic Activity Observation and Forecast

The greatest observed 3 hr Kp over the past 24 hours was 3 (below NOAA
Scale levels).
The greatest expected 3 hr Kp for Apr 26-Apr 28 2026 is 4.67 (NOAA Scale
G1).

NOAA Kp index breakdown Apr 26-Apr 28 2026

             Apr 26       Apr 27       Apr 28
00-03UT       4.67 (G1)    3.67         2.33
03-06UT       4.33         3.00         2.00
06-09UT       3.33         2.67         2.00
09-12UT       3.33         2.33         2.00
12-15UT       2.33         2.00         2.33
15-18UT       2.33         2.33         2.00
18-21UT       3.00         3.33         2.00
21-00UT       3.33         3.33         2.00

Rationale: Isolated G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) geomagnetic storming
conditions are possible (G1 likely with a chance for G2)early 26 Apr in
response to the arrival of the glancing CMEs.

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 Apr 26-Apr 28 2026

              Apr 26  Apr 27  Apr 28
S1 or greater   10%     10%     10%

Rationale: There is a chance to exceed the S1 (Minor) solar radiation
storm thresholds due to the flare potential of Region 4419 further
beyond the western limb, and Region 4420 near the central solar
meridian.

C. NOAA Radio Blackout Activity and Forecast

Radio blackouts reaching the R1 levels were observed over the past 24
hours. The largest was at Apr 25 2026 0759 UTC.

Radio Blackout Forecast for Apr 26-Apr 28 2026

              Apr 26        Apr 27        Apr 28
R1-R2           55%           55%           55%
R3 or greater   15%           15%           15%

Rationale: R1-R2 (Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts are likely, with a
slight chance for R3 (Strong or greater) events through 28 Apr,
primarily driven by the complexity of Regions 4420, 4423, and 4425.


Extended Space Weather Discussion:

Solar Activity

.24 hr Summary...
Solar activity was at moderate levels during the reporting period. The
largest events were an M1.3/Sf flare at 25/0759 UTC from Region 4423
(S05E18, Dai/beta-gamma-delta) and an impulsive M1.1/Sf flare at 25/1430
UTC from Region 4425 (N05E66, Eac/beta-gamma). While Regions 4423 and
4425 were the primary drivers of activity, isolated C-class flares were
observed from Regions 4420 (N16W01, Fki/beta-gamma-delta) and 4424
(N16E33, Dsi/beta). A bright and partially obscured C3.8 flare was
observed from Region 4419 (N17, L=316) as it rotated over the western
limb.

There are currently eight numbered regions on the visible disk. Region
4419 rotated beyond the western limb during the period. Region 4420
showed flux emergence in its intermediary spots, increased shear in the
trailing portion, and growth in overall area. Region 4423 showed
consolidation in both the leader and trailer spots and became less
fragmented. Region 4424 showed growth in its intermediate spots,
alongside consolidation in the trailing spot. Region 4425 rotated
further into view, though limb proximity continues to hinder full
characterization of its extent and magnetic complexity. Region 4426
(N12W37, Axx/alpha) lost its trailing spot and became a unipolar group,
and Region 4427 (S30E67, Axx/alpha) was numbered during the period as an
unremarkable unipolar group. All other regions were stable or in slight
decay.

A narrow eruption likely associated with the M1.1 flare from Region 4425
was observed off the eastern limb. Modeling indicates the ejecta will
pass well behind Earth. No other CMEs were observed in available
coronagraph imagery.

.Forecast...
Solar activity is expected to be at low levels, with M-class flares
(R1-R2-Moderate) likely, and a chance for X-class (R3/Strong or greater)
flares through 28 Apr, primarily driven by the complexity of Regions
4420, 4423, and 4425.


Energetic Particle

.24 hr Summary...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at low
to moderate levels with a peak of 403 pfu at 25/1910 UTC. The greater
than 10 MeV proton flux at geosynchronous orbit was slightly elevated,
but remained near background levels.

.Forecast...
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to be at moderate to
high levels through 28 Apr. The greater than 10 MeV proton flux is
expected to remain at background levels, though there is a decreasing
chance for levels to exceed S1 (Minor) solar radiation storm thresholds
due to the flare activity of now-departed Region 4419 and Region 4420 as
it approaches central solar meridian.


Solar Wind

.24 hr Summary...
Solar wind parameters were marginally enhanced through the period, with
speeds initially near 450 km/s before trending toward 350 km/s.
Conditions became increasingly perturbed late in the period, signaling
the passage of a transient structure that is possibly the glancing
influence of the 23 Apr CME. Total magnetic field (Bt) averaged near 8
nT before peaking at 12 nT near the end of the UT day. This peak in Bt
coincided with a southward deflection of the Bz component to -9 nT and
an increase in solar wind speed to 450 km/s. This disturbance was
characterized by a distinct density enhancement and a transient rotation
in the phi angle, which was otherwise predominantly positive throughout
the period.

.Forecast...
Further enhancements in the solar wind environment are anticipated 26-27
Apr due to anticipated arrival of further glancing influences from
the 23 Apr and 24 Apr CMEs.

Geospace

.24 hr Summary...
The geomagnetic field was quiet to unsettled.

.Forecast...
Isolated G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storming conditions are possible late on
early 26 Apr in response to the arrival of the glancing CMEs. Quiet to
unsettled conditions are then anticipated 27-28 Apr as CME influences
subside.


27 Day Forecast:

Date | Radio Flux | Planetary A Index | Largest Kp Index
2026 Apr 20     105          18          4
2026 Apr 21     110          15          4
2026 Apr 22     120           8          3
2026 Apr 23     125           5          2
2026 Apr 24     120           8          3
2026 Apr 25     115           8          3
2026 Apr 26     120           5          2
2026 Apr 27     125           5          2
2026 Apr 28     125           5          2
2026 Apr 29     125          20          5
2026 Apr 30     125          18          5
2026 May 01     125          12          4
2026 May 02     125          10          4
2026 May 03     115           8          3
2026 May 04     108           8          3
2026 May 05     105           5          2
2026 May 06     100           5          2
2026 May 07      95          20          5
2026 May 08      90          15          4
2026 May 09      90           8          3
2026 May 10      95           5          2
2026 May 11     100           5          2
2026 May 12     105           5          2
2026 May 13     110           5          2
2026 May 14     110           5          2
2026 May 15     105          25          5
2026 May 16     105          20          5


  • 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