Kp Index
A measure of global geomagnetic activity. Higher values indicate stronger disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field.
Live space weather
Monitor conditions between the Sun and Earth
Follow live NOAA space-weather conditions including geomagnetic activity, solar wind, radio blackouts, solar radiation storms, and recent alerts that may affect satellites, navigation, communications, and the night sky.
Current conditions
Live NOAA space-weather data
These measurements and NOAA scale values update independently as new observations become available.
Loading live space-weather data
Connecting to NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
Understanding the data
What these measurements mean
Space weather describes changes in the environment between the Sun and Earth. Different NOAA products measure different parts of that environment, so values can update at different times.
Solar Wind
Charged particles flowing outward from the Sun. Faster solar wind can contribute to increased geomagnetic activity.
Geomagnetic Storms
NOAA uses the G1–G5 scale to describe geomagnetic storm strength and potential impacts.
Radio Blackouts
The R1–R5 scale describes disruptions to high-frequency radio caused by enhanced solar X-ray activity.
Solar Radiation Storms
The S1–S5 scale describes elevated energetic particle conditions that can affect spacecraft and high-altitude operations.
Satellite Effects
Space weather can influence spacecraft electronics, satellite drag, navigation accuracy, and radio communications.
Why it matters
Space weather and satellites
Navigation and communications
Disturbances in the ionosphere can affect radio propagation and the accuracy of satellite-based navigation signals.
Spacecraft operations
Energetic particles and changing geomagnetic conditions can affect spacecraft electronics and charging environments.
Low-Earth orbit
Strong solar activity can heat and expand the upper atmosphere, increasing drag on satellites in low Earth orbit.
Aurora activity
Increased geomagnetic activity can expand the region where aurora may be visible, especially at higher latitudes and during stronger geomagnetic storms.
Continue exploring
See how current space conditions connect with satellites and objects orbiting Earth.