Academy
AURORA FORECAST
Real-time space weather and Northern Lights prediction for Rovaniemi, Finland
Current Conditions
AURORASENTINEL
Aurora Sentinel Dashboard
[WIDGET PLACEHOLDER – Aurora Sentinel Dashboard]
Understanding the Data
Kp Index
The planetary K-index (Kp) is a global geomagnetic activity index ranging from 0-9. It measures disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar wind.
Kp 0-1: Quiet. Aurora visible only in Arctic regions above 68N.
Kp 2-3: Unsettled. Good visibility at Arctic Circle (66N). Rovaniemi optimal.
Kp 4: Active. Aurora extends southward to 62N (Oulu area).
Kp 5-6: Minor storm. Visible across Scandinavia to 58N.
Kp 7-9: Major storm. Rare. Aurora visible in Central Europe.
Bz Component
The Bz component of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) is critical for aurora formation. It measures the north-south orientation of the solar wind’s magnetic field.
Bz Positive (North): Earth’s magnetosphere is shielded. Low aurora probability.
Bz Negative (South): Magnetic reconnection occurs. Solar particles enter atmosphere, exciting oxygen and nitrogen atoms. Aurora likely.
Bz below -10 nT: Strong coupling. Intense aurora probable.
Solar Wind
Solar wind is a continuous stream of charged particles from the Sun. Speed and density affect aurora intensity.
Speed 300-400 km/s: Quiet conditions. Background solar wind.
Speed 400-500 km/s: Elevated. Minor enhancement possible.
Speed 500-700 km/s: High-speed stream. Enhanced aurora likely.
Speed 700+ km/s: Very fast. Often from coronal holes. Strong activity.
Rovaniemi Observation Conditions
Local Weather Widget
[WIDGET PLACEHOLDER – Rovaniemi Weather/Cloud Cover]
Location Data
Latitude: 66.50N (Arctic Circle)
Longitude: 25.73E
Magnetic Latitude: 63.5N
Timezone: EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3)
Aurora Season: September – March
Polar Night: Dec 15 – Dec 28
Best Hours: 21:00 – 02:00 local
Aurora Colors Explained
Aurora colors depend on which atmospheric gases are excited and at what altitude the collisions occur:
Green (557.7 nm): Most common. Oxygen atoms at 100-300 km altitude. Peak emission around 110 km. Visible to human eye in moderate activity.
Red (630.0 nm): Oxygen at high altitude (200-400 km). Requires strong activity. Often appears as upper red fringe during intense displays.
Purple/Blue (391-470 nm): Nitrogen molecules at lower altitudes (below 100 km). Indicates very energetic particle precipitation. Often at base of curtains.