The Knowledge Behind the Magic
Explore our library of articles curated by astrophysicists, researchers and veteran Arctic guides. Discover the physics of the Sun and the secrets of space weather.
Why space-weather forecasting remains difficult: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to Why space-weather forecasting remains difficult: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Citizen science and new auroral discoveries: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to Citizen science and new auroral discoveries: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
STEVE: why it is not simply a purple aurora: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to STEVE: why it is not simply a purple aurora: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
ESA Vigil from L5: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to ESA Vigil from L5: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Artificial intelligence for space weather: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to Artificial intelligence for space weather: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Research on predicting Bz before L1: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to Research on predicting Bz before L1: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
MMS and reconnection near Earth: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to MMS and reconnection near Earth: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
The coronal-heating problem: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to The coronal-heating problem: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
What Solar Cycle 25 is teaching us: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to What Solar Cycle 25 is teaching us: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Proba-3 and unexpectedly fast solar wind: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to Proba-3 and unexpectedly fast solar wind: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Proba-3 and the coronal observation gap: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to Proba-3 and the coronal observation gap: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar Orbiter and the Sun’s poles: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar Orbiter and the Sun’s poles: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
New Parker results on magnetic reconnection: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to New Parker results on magnetic reconnection: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar-wind switchbacks: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar-wind switchbacks: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Parker Solar Probe inside the corona: what is changing in current research
A clear but rigorous guide to Parker Solar Probe inside the corona: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“Aurora exists only on Earth”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “Aurora exists only on Earth”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“Northern and southern auroras are always identical”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “Northern and southern auroras are always identical”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“Clouds can become aurora”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “Clouds can become aurora”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“Positive Bz means aurora is impossible”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “Positive Bz means aurora is impossible”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“Kp is an aurora forecast”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “Kp is an aurora forecast”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“A flare and a CME are the same thing”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “A flare and a CME are the same thing”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“An X-class flare automatically means a major aurora”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “An X-class flare automatically means a major aurora”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“A Carrington event today would destroy all technology”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “A Carrington event today would destroy all technology”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“A solar storm will shut down the entire Internet”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “A solar storm will shut down the entire Internet”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“Watching aurora is dangerous”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “Watching aurora is dangerous”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“Aurora makes sound”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “Aurora makes sound”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“A smartphone sees aurora that is not there”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “A smartphone sees aurora that is not there”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“The camera invents aurora colours”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “The camera invents aurora colours”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“Aurora is always green”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “Aurora is always green”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“Aurora only appears at midnight”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “Aurora only appears at midnight”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“Aurora only happens in winter”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “Aurora only happens in winter”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“Colder weather means more aurora”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “Colder weather means more aurora”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“A full Moon prevents aurora viewing”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “A full Moon prevents aurora viewing”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“There is no aurora at Kp 0”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “There is no aurora at Kp 0”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
“You need Kp 5 to see aurora”: how much of it is actually true?
A clear but rigorous guide to “You need Kp 5 to see aurora”: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Why two aurora apps can disagree: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to Why two aurora apps can disagree: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Real-time data versus forecasts: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to Real-time data versus forecasts: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
NOAA 27-day outlook: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to NOAA 27-day outlook: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Sunspot Number: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to Sunspot Number: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
F10.7 solar radio flux: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to F10.7 solar radio flux: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
All-sky aurora cameras: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to All-sky aurora cameras: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Ground magnetometers: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Ground magnetometers: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Why WSA-Enlil can miss the arrival time: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to Why WSA-Enlil can miss the arrival time: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
WSA-Enlil: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to WSA-Enlil: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
NOAA Aurora 30 Minute Forecast: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to NOAA Aurora 30 Minute Forecast: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
OVATION aurora model: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to OVATION aurora model: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
GONG network: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to GONG network: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Proba-3 and artificial eclipses: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Proba-3 and artificial eclipses: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar Orbiter: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar Orbiter: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Parker Solar Probe: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Parker Solar Probe: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
CCOR operational coronagraphs: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to CCOR operational coronagraphs: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Coronagraph: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Coronagraph: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
LASCO: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to LASCO: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
SOHO: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to SOHO: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
HMI: solar magnetograms: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to HMI: solar magnetograms: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
AIA: multiwavelength images of the Sun: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to AIA: multiwavelength images of the Sun: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO): what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO): physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
A, B, C, M and X flare classes: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to A, B, C, M and X flare classes: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
GOES X-ray Flux: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to GOES X-ray Flux: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
GOES satellites and space weather: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to GOES satellites and space weather: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Lagrange point L1: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Lagrange point L1: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
ACE: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to ACE: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
DSCOVR: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to DSCOVR: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Reading Bz, Bt, speed and density together: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to Reading Bz, Bt, speed and density together: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Real-time solar-wind plot: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to Real-time solar-wind plot: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
NOAA R and S space-weather scales: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to NOAA R and S space-weather scales: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
NOAA geomagnetic scales G1–G5: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to NOAA geomagnetic scales G1–G5: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
AE index: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to AE index: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Dst index: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to Dst index: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Kp index: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to Kp index: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Geomagnetic versus geographic latitude: what it really means for aurora
A clear but rigorous guide to Geomagnetic versus geographic latitude: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Equatorward expansion of the auroral oval: what it really means for aurora
A clear but rigorous guide to Equatorward expansion of the auroral oval: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Auroral oval: what it really means for aurora
A clear but rigorous guide to Auroral oval: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Modest CME, strong geomagnetic storm: what it really means for aurora
A clear but rigorous guide to Modest CME, strong geomagnetic storm: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Strong CME, weak geomagnetic storm: what it really means for aurora
A clear but rigorous guide to Strong CME, weak geomagnetic storm: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
CME transit time: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to CME transit time: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Forecasting CME Bz: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Forecasting CME Bz: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Interplanetary shock arrival: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to Interplanetary shock arrival: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Halo CME: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to Halo CME: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Earth-directed CME: what it really means for aurora
A clear but rigorous guide to Earth-directed CME: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Stream interaction regions (SIRs): what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Stream interaction regions (SIRs): physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Corotating interaction regions (CIRs): how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Corotating interaction regions (CIRs): physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Geomagnetic storm versus substorm: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Geomagnetic storm versus substorm: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Auroral substorm: what it really means for aurora
A clear but rigorous guide to Auroral substorm: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Magnetospheric reconnection: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Magnetospheric reconnection: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Earth’s magnetotail: what it really means for aurora
A clear but rigorous guide to Earth’s magnetotail: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Earth’s bow shock: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Earth’s bow shock: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Magnetopause: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Magnetopause: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Earth’s magnetosphere: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Earth’s magnetosphere: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Interplanetary magnetic field (IMF): what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Interplanetary magnetic field (IMF): physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar-wind dynamic pressure: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar-wind dynamic pressure: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar-wind density: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar-wind density: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar-wind speed: what it really means for aurora
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar-wind speed: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Bt: total interplanetary magnetic-field strength: how to read the data without being misled
A clear but rigorous guide to Bt: total interplanetary magnetic-field strength: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Interplanetary magnetic-field Bz: what it really means for aurora
A clear but rigorous guide to Interplanetary magnetic-field Bz: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Why a CME can miss Earth: what it really means for aurora
A clear but rigorous guide to Why a CME can miss Earth: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
CME speed and direction: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to CME speed and direction: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Cannibal CMEs: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Cannibal CMEs: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar energetic particles (SEPs): what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar energetic particles (SEPs): physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
CME-driven shock waves: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to CME-driven shock waves: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Helmet streamers: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Helmet streamers: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Open and closed solar magnetic fields: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Open and closed solar magnetic fields: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Alfvén critical surface: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Alfvén critical surface: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Heliospheric current sheet: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Heliospheric current sheet: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Parker spiral: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Parker spiral: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar magnetic-field reversal: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar magnetic-field reversal: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar maximum and minimum: what it really means for aurora
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar maximum and minimum: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
11-year solar cycle: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to 11-year solar cycle: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Differential rotation of the Sun: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Differential rotation of the Sun: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Photosphere, chromosphere and corona: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Photosphere, chromosphere and corona: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar filaments and prominences: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar filaments and prominences: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Magnetic reconnection in the Sun: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Magnetic reconnection in the Sun: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar flares and CMEs: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar flares and CMEs: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs): what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Coronal mass ejections (CMEs): physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar flares: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar flares: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar active regions: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar active regions: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Sunspots: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Sunspots: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar corona: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar corona: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Fast and slow solar wind: how it works and what it teaches us
A clear but rigorous guide to Fast and slow solar wind: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Solar wind: what it is and why it really matters
A clear but rigorous guide to Solar wind: physical mechanism, useful measurements, limits of simple rules, and its connection with aurora and space weather.
Does the Northern Lights Really Make Sounds? Reports, Recordings and Mystery
People have described hissing and crackling for centuries. Some measurements revived the debate, but the connection remains difficult to prove.
Pulsating Auroras: Patches That Blink Across the Sky Like Breathing
Not every aurora forms flowing curtains. Some create patches that switch on and off, revealing waves and particles inside the magnetosphere.
Why Is the Aurora Green, Red or Purple? Colours Reveal Altitude
Each colour comes from different particles, gases and heights. The auroral sky acts like a natural spectrometer of the upper atmosphere.
Do You Really Need High Kp to See the Aurora? It Depends Where You Are
In Lapland, low Kp may be enough; farther south the oval must expand. The useful threshold changes with latitude and sky conditions.
Can the Aurora Be Predicted Weeks Ahead? What We Actually Know
Long-range outlooks help with planning, but they cannot promise the exact hour. Here is where science ends and marketing begins.
Does a Full Moon Really Ruin the Northern Lights? The Myth Explained
Moonlight does not switch off the aurora, but it changes contrast, dark adaptation and camera settings. Sometimes it even improves the scene.
All-Sky Cameras and Cloud Maps: The Final Check Before an Aurora Hunt
Space-weather data may be perfect, but local cloud can cancel everything. Learn to combine cameras, satellite maps and direct observation.
Magnetometers and Kp: How a Geomagnetic Storm Is Actually Measured
Kp is not observed in space like a temperature. It is built from changes in Earth’s magnetic field recorded by ground stations.
How to Read the OVATION Map Without Being Misled by the Colours
NOAA’s auroral forecast is extremely useful, but it is not a photograph of the sky. Probability, power and oval position need context.
Geomagnetic Storm or Substorm? Similar Names, Different Events
One disturbs Earth’s magnetic system globally; the other can suddenly ignite part of the auroral oval. Here is how to tell them apart.
Auroral Substorms: Why the Sky Can Explode Without a Major Geomagnetic Storm
A quiet green arc can turn into curtains and rays within minutes. The trigger is often a sudden release of energy from the magnetotail.
The Magnetosphere Made Simple: The Invisible Shield That Lights the Aurora
Earth’s magnetic field is not a static bubble. Solar wind compresses it, stretches a tail and stores the energy that lights the sky.
The Parker Spiral: Why the Sun’s Magnetic Field Reaches Earth Sideways
The solar wind does not carry magnetic field in a straight line. Solar rotation wraps it into a vast spiral that shapes every geomagnetic disturbance.
Coronal Holes: Why Some Auroras Return Almost Every 27 Days
Storms do not come only from CMEs. Coronal holes can send recurring high-speed streams and create surprisingly predictable auroral windows.
Solar Flare or CME? The Difference That Changes Every Aurora Forecast
They may sound like two names for the same solar storm, but they are different: one travels at light speed, the other carries plasma and magnetic field.
Bz, KP, Speed: Read the Solar Wind Like an Expert
Bz alone is not enough. Here's how to combine all the parameters to never miss an aurora.
The STEVE Phenomenon and SAR Arcs: When the Sky Doesn't Show a Classic Aurora
Exploration of subauroral optical phenomena: what exactly STEVE is, how it differs from the northern lights, and the latest discoveries on ionospheric currents.
Beyond the Kp Index: The Crucial Importance of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF Bz)
Why the Kp index alone is not enough to predict the aurora. A technical guide to reading the solar wind, plasma density, and the Bz parameter.
Solar Cycle 25 and the Impact of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) on the Magnetosphere
An in-depth analysis of the dynamics of Solar Cycle 25, the role of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and forecasts for the solar maximum.
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