One combined score for aurora, meteor showers, and Milky Way conditions tonight, based on your location, the live Kp index, and the current moon phase.
Each factor is scored independently, then combined with aurora and active meteor showers weighted most heavily since they're the most time-sensitive events. A dark, moonless night with no aurora and no active shower can still score reasonably well for general stargazing and Milky Way viewing. This isn't only an aurora tool.
Aurora uses the same live Kp-vs-latitude model as the main dashboard. Meteor showers check today's date against the IMO's working list of annual showers and flag anything active, with extra weight near a shower's peak night. Milky Way core visibility is a simplified estimate based on month and hemisphere. The galactic core is only above the horizon during dark hours for part of the year. Moon brightness affects all three: less moonlight helps faint aurora, meteors, and the Milky Way alike.
What is a good Kp index to see the aurora?
Kp 5 or higher usually means a visible geomagnetic storm at higher latitudes (northern US border states, northern Europe). The exact Kp you need depends on your latitude: locations closer to the poles need less, and mid-latitude locations need Kp 7 or higher.
How does the moon affect aurora visibility?
A bright moon raises the sky's background brightness, which can wash out faint or diffuse aurora. It matters most for weaker displays (Kp 3-5); a strong storm is usually visible regardless of moon phase.
What is the best time of year to see meteor showers?
Meteor showers happen throughout the year, but the Perseids (mid-August) and Geminids (mid-December) are generally the strongest, most reliable displays. This calculator checks the current date against the IMO's official shower calendar automatically.
Can I see the Milky Way and aurora on the same night?
Yes, though the Milky Way core is only visible during part of the year (best around June–August from northern mid-latitudes) and needs a dark, moonless sky. Aurora can appear at any time of year when geomagnetic activity is high enough.