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Real-Time Northern Hemisphere Auroral Conditions

Please note that these charts are loaded from the remote sites where they are generated and occassionally, may not be available at all times. Some of these charts take a while to load.

Aurora can affect propagation conditions over the polar routes and is often used to enhance VHF propagation, especially at 50 MHz and sometimes the 144 MHz Amateur bands. At times of auroral displays, HF radio signals traveling over the polar route will develop a distinctive warbling sound. You can often hear these effects on 14 MHz SSB signals that have followed the great circle route over the polar region. During intense auroral activity, HF propagation down to the 3.5 MHz band can be affected. And if you are lucky enough to be in the right place, you can watch the spectacular visible auroral displays in the night-time sky.

Real-Time Plot of Auroral Radar Returns at VHF

The University of Alaska, Geophysical Institute, Poker Flat Research Range conducts extensive research involving all aspects of the polar regions. The following plot is generated in real-time and represents conditions as they exist at this instant (graphic plot is updated every minute). The plot is based on aurora radar returns operating at 50 MHz in Anchorage, Alaska and is used here with permission. You can learn much more about the High Latitude Monitoring Station operated by the University of Alaska. Bands of white echo returns in the chart indicate that the radio aurora is returning VHF radio signal echoes in Alaska.

Real-Time Global Northern Hemisphere Aurora Map (with MUF)

The following information is provided by the Solar Terrestrial Dispatch and is used with permission. This site contains a wealth of solar and ionospheric conditions and is well worth a visit. The following chart is produced using real-time data provided by Defense Metereological Satellites.

See Also Hourly Updated Views of Polar Aurora From Satellites

Aurora Forecasts from the University of Alaska

These forecasts are provided courtesy of the University of Alaska, Geophysical Institute, Poker Flat Research Range and are used with permission. The University of Alaska conducts extensive research involving all aspects of the polar regions.

Forecast for early part of the week

Forecast for latter part of the week

Computed Real-Time Aurora Location

Provided by the Space Environment Center.

European Area Aurora Information

Swedish Institute of Space Physics Auroral Large Imaging System
Excellent article on auroral tomography