Primary Data Source
All real-time space weather data is sourced from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the United States' official source for space weather forecasts, warnings, watches, and alerts. The SWPC operates 24/7, monitoring the Sun and space environment to provide critical information about space weather conditions that can affect satellite operations, power grids, navigation systems, and radio communications.
The SWPC collects data from a global network of ground-based observatories, space-based satellites (including ACE, DSCOVR, GOES, and SOHO), and international space weather monitoring stations. This comprehensive data collection enables accurate forecasting of geomagnetic storms, solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and auroral activity—all essential for understanding and predicting aurora visibility in Alaska and other high-latitude regions.
Northern Lights Alaska integrates multiple SWPC data streams in real-time, processing measurements from spacecraft positioned at the L1 Lagrange point (approximately 1.5 million kilometers sunward from Earth), which provides approximately 15-60 minutes of advance warning for incoming solar wind disturbances. This early warning capability is crucial for accurate aurora forecasting.
Update Frequency: Every 60 seconds for real-time endpoints, hourly for forecast products, daily for historical datasets
Data Latency: Typically 1-5 minutes from measurement to API availability, depending on endpoint
JSON API Base URL:
https://services.swpc.noaa.gov/json/
Products API Base URL:
https://services.swpc.noaa.gov/products/
Data Format: JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) with ISO 8601 timestamps
Rate Limiting: No official rate limits, but respectful usage recommended (requests spaced at least 1 second apart)
CORS Policy: Cross-origin requests enabled for public API access
Data Availability: Real-time data available 24/7; historical data extends back to 1932 for some indices
Data Quality & Reliability
All SWPC data undergoes automated quality control checks before publication. Real-time data may occasionally contain gaps during spacecraft handoffs or maintenance periods. Historical data is validated and corrected as needed. Users should implement appropriate error handling and data validation when consuming these APIs.
Base URL:
https://services.swpc.noaa.gov/json/
Planetary K-Index (1-minute)
planetary_k_index_1m.json
Real-time 1-minute resolution Kp index data
Used for: Real-time space weather conditions, current Kp display
View JSONReal-Time Solar Wind - Magnetic Field
rtsw/rtsw_mag_1m.json
Interplanetary magnetic field (Bt, Bz) measurements
Used for: IMF Charts (Bt, Bz), Solar Wind Conditions
View JSONReal-Time Solar Wind - Wind
rtsw/rtsw_wind_1m.json
Solar wind density and speed measurements
Used for: Solar Wind Density Chart, Solar Wind Speed
View JSONF10.7 cm Radio Flux
f107_cm_flux.json
10.7 cm solar radio flux measurements
Used for: Solar Flux display, Solar Cycle Status
View JSONOVATION Aurora Model
ovation_aurora_latest.json
Aurora probability and energy deposition forecasts
Used for: OVATION Alaska Aurora Data, Aurora Probability Maps
View JSONGeospace DST Index (1-hour)
geospace/geospace_dst_1_hour.json
Disturbance Storm Time (DST) index for geomagnetic activity
Used for: DST Index Chart, Historical Data
View JSONSolar Flare Probabilities
solar_probabilities.json
Probability forecasts for X-ray flares (M-class and X-class)
Used for: Solar Flare Probabilities section
View JSONPredicted F10.7 cm Flux
predicted_f107cm_flux.json
Forecasted 10.7 cm radio flux values for 27-day and 45-day outlook periods
Used for: Solar Flux Forecast Chart, Long-term solar activity predictions
View JSONReal-Time Solar Wind - Plasma
rtsw/rtsw_plasma_1m.json
Solar wind plasma parameters including temperature and flow direction
Used for: Advanced solar wind analysis, plasma temperature monitoring
View JSONGeospace AE Index (1-hour)
geospace/geospace_ae_1_hour.json
Auroral Electrojet (AE) index measuring auroral zone magnetic activity
Used for: Auroral activity intensity, substorm detection and monitoring
View JSONGeospace AP Index (1-hour)
geospace/geospace_ap_1_hour.json
Planetary amplitude (Ap) index, linearized version of Kp for quantitative analysis
Used for: Geomagnetic activity quantification, statistical analysis
View JSONSolar X-Ray Flux (5-minute)
solar_xray_flux_5m.json
High-resolution X-ray flux measurements for solar flare detection
Used for: Real-time flare monitoring, X-ray flux charts, flare classification
View JSONSolar X-Ray Flux (1-minute)
solar_xray_flux_1m.json
Ultra-high resolution X-ray flux for precise flare timing and intensity
Used for: Detailed flare analysis, peak flux determination, rapid flare alerts
View JSONSolar Region Summary
solar_region_summary.json
Active solar regions with magnetic classifications and flare probabilities
Used for: Sunspot monitoring, active region tracking, flare source identification
View JSONGeospace Magnetometer (1-minute)
geospace/geospace_magnetometer_1m.json
Ground-based magnetometer measurements from multiple observatories
Used for: Local geomagnetic conditions, observatory-specific data, regional variations
View JSONGeospace Magnetometer (5-minute)
geospace/geospace_magnetometer_5m.json
Lower resolution magnetometer data for historical analysis and trending
Used for: Long-term trend analysis, reduced data volume applications
View JSONJSON API Usage Notes
- All timestamps are in ISO 8601 format (UTC timezone)
- Data arrays are typically ordered chronologically, with most recent entries last
- Missing or invalid data points may be represented as null values
- Some endpoints include metadata fields describing units, ranges, and data quality flags
- Historical data endpoints may have variable update frequencies (hourly, daily)
- Real-time endpoints (1-minute resolution) update approximately every 60 seconds
- For production applications, implement appropriate caching and error handling
- Monitor SWPC status pages for scheduled maintenance or data outages
Base URL:
https://services.swpc.noaa.gov/products/
Space Weather Alerts
alerts.json
Active space weather watches, warnings, and alerts
Used for: Space Weather Alerts display, Active Alerts modal
View JSONNOAA Space Weather Scales
noaa-scales.json
Current G-scale, R-scale, and S-scale values
Used for: NOAA Scales display (Radio Blackouts, Solar Radiation, Geomagnetic Storms)
View JSONPlanetary K-Index Forecast
noaa-planetary-k-index-forecast.json
3-day Kp index forecast values
Used for: 3-Day Forecast section, Kp Forecast display
View JSONPlanetary K-Index (3-hour)
noaa-planetary-k-index.json
Historical 3-hour Kp index values
Used for: Kp Index Historical Bar Chart, Kp Index Breakdown Table
View JSON10.7 cm Flux (30-day)
10cm-flux-30-day.json
30-day historical 10.7 cm radio flux data with daily averages
Used for: 30-Day Flux historical data, Solar Cycle analysis, trend visualization
View JSON3-Day Forecast Discussion
discussion.json
Human-written forecast discussion for next 3 days of space weather
Used for: Forecast summaries, expert analysis, contextual information
View JSON27-Day Outlook
27-day-outlook.json
Extended forecast for geomagnetic activity over next 27 days
Used for: Long-range planning, monthly activity predictions, solar rotation effects
View JSONWeekly Highlights and Forecasts
weekly.json
Comprehensive weekly space weather summary and 7-day forecast
Used for: Weekly summaries, extended outlooks, activity highlights
View JSONSolar Cycle Progression
solar-cycle.json
Current solar cycle phase, sunspot numbers, and cycle predictions
Used for: Solar cycle status, long-term trends, cycle maximum/minimum tracking
View JSONGeomagnetic Activity Summary
geomag-activity-summary.json
Daily summary of geomagnetic activity levels and storm occurrences
Used for: Daily activity reports, storm event tracking, historical summaries
View JSONSolar Event Reports
solar-events.json
Catalog of recent solar flares, CMEs, and other significant solar events
Used for: Event tracking, flare history, CME catalog, event correlation
View JSONGOES X-Ray Flux (5-minute)
goes-xrs-report.json
GOES satellite X-ray flux measurements for solar flare monitoring
Used for: GOES flare data, X-ray flux charts, flare classification system
View JSONSunspot Number Report
sunspot-report.json
Daily sunspot numbers and active region counts
Used for: Solar activity tracking, sunspot cycle monitoring, active region statistics
View JSONCoronal Mass Ejection (CME) Analysis
cme-analysis.json
CME detection, speed, direction, and Earth-impact probability
Used for: CME tracking, impact predictions, geomagnetic storm forecasting
View JSONGeomagnetic Sudden Impulse
sudden-impulse.json
Detection and measurement of sudden geomagnetic field changes
Used for: Shock arrival detection, CME impact confirmation, sudden commencement events
View JSONProducts API Usage Notes
- Products are typically updated on different schedules (hourly, daily, or event-driven)
- Some products contain structured text fields (forecast discussions) in addition to numeric data
- Alert and event products may have variable array lengths depending on current activity
- Historical products may include data quality flags and uncertainty estimates
- Forecast products contain both deterministic values and probabilistic information
- Event catalogs (flares, CMEs) are cumulative and may grow over time
- Check product metadata for update frequency and data source information
- Some products reference external resources (images, detailed reports) via URLs
OVATION Aurora Model
The OVATION (Oval Variation, Assessment, Tracking, Intensity, and Online Nowcasting) model is used for aurora forecasting and energy deposition calculations.
Primary Reference: Newell, P. T., Sotirelis, T., & Wing, S. (2009). Diffuse, monoenergetic, and broadband aurora: The global precipitation budget. Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, 114(A9).
DOI: 10.1029/2009JA014326Planetary K-Index (Kp)
The Kp index is a standardized measure of geomagnetic activity derived from multiple magnetometer stations worldwide.
Historical Reference: Bartels, J., Heck, N. H., & Johnston, H. F. (1939). The three-hour-range index measuring geomagnetic activity. Terrestrial Magnetism and Atmospheric Electricity, 44(4), 411-454.
GFZ German Research Centre for GeosciencesSolar Wind Parameters
Real-time solar wind measurements from spacecraft at the L1 Lagrange point (ACE, DSCOVR, WIND) provide critical early warning of geomagnetic disturbances. The interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientation, particularly the Bz component, determines the efficiency of energy transfer from the solar wind into Earth's magnetosphere.
Key Reference: Dungey, J. W. (1961). Interplanetary magnetic field and the auroral zones. Physical Review Letters, 6(2), 47-48.
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.6.47Geomagnetic Indices and Storm Classification
The DST (Disturbance Storm Time) index measures the intensity of the ring current, which develops during geomagnetic storms. The AE (Auroral Electrojet) index quantifies auroral zone magnetic activity, directly correlating with visible aurora intensity.
Primary Reference: Sugiura, M. (1964). Hourly values of equatorial Dst for the IGY. Annals of the International Geophysical Year, 35, 9-45.
AE Index Reference: Davis, T. N., & Sugiura, M. (1966). Auroral electrojet activity index AE and its universal time variations. Journal of Geophysical Research, 71(3), 785-801.
DOI: 10.1029/JZ071i003p00785Solar Flare Classification and X-Ray Flux
Solar flares are classified by their X-ray peak flux using GOES satellite measurements. The classification system (A, B, C, M, X) with numeric multipliers provides a standardized way to quantify flare intensity and potential impact on Earth's space environment.
Classification System: Bornmann, P. L., et al. (1996). GOES X-ray sensor and its use in predicting solar-terrestrial disturbances. Space Weather, 1, 231-252.
DOI: 10.1029/93SW02259Coronal Mass Ejections and Space Weather
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are massive eruptions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona. When directed toward Earth, CMEs can cause severe geomagnetic storms and enhanced auroral displays. The speed, direction, and magnetic field orientation of CMEs determine their geoeffectiveness.
Foundational Reference: Gosling, J. T. (1993). The solar flare myth. Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, 98(A11), 18937-18949.
DOI: 10.1029/93JA01896Aurora Physics and Precipitation Mechanisms
Auroral emissions result from collisions between energetic electrons (and protons) precipitating from the magnetosphere and atmospheric atoms and molecules. The characteristic colors (green from atomic oxygen at 557.7 nm, red from atomic oxygen at 630.0 nm, blue/purple from molecular nitrogen) provide information about the energy and altitude of precipitation.
Comprehensive Reference: Rees, M. H., & Luckey, D. (1974). Auroral electron energy derived from ratio of spectroscopic emissions 1. Model computations. Journal of Geophysical Research, 79(34), 5181-5186.
DOI: 10.1029/JA079i034p05181Solar Cycle and Long-Term Variability
The 11-year solar cycle (approximately 22 years including magnetic field reversals) drives long-term variations in space weather and auroral activity. During solar maximum, increased sunspot numbers, flare frequency, and CME occurrence lead to more frequent and intense auroral displays at lower latitudes.
Historical Reference: Schwabe, H. (1844). Sonnenbeobachtungen im Jahre 1843. Astronomische Nachrichten, 21(495), 233-236.
Modern Analysis: Hathaway, D. H. (2015). The solar cycle. Living Reviews in Solar Physics, 12(1), 4.
DOI: 10.1007/lrsp-2015-4F10.7 cm Radio Flux and Solar Activity
The 10.7 cm (2800 MHz) solar radio flux is a proxy for solar EUV (extreme ultraviolet) radiation, which ionizes Earth's upper atmosphere. This index correlates well with sunspot numbers and provides a continuous measure of solar activity even when sunspots are not visible.
Original Reference: Covington, A. E. (1948). Solar noise observations on 10.7 centimetres. Proceedings of the IRE, 36(7), 855-860.
DOI: 10.1109/JRPROC.1948.231624Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling
The interaction between Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere drives auroral processes. Field-aligned currents connect the magnetosphere to the ionosphere, transferring energy and momentum. This coupling is essential for understanding how solar wind conditions translate into visible aurora.
Key Reference: Cowley, S. W. H. (2000). Magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions: A tutorial review. In Magnetospheric Current Systems (pp. 91-106). American Geophysical Union.
DOI: 10.1029/GM118p0091Additional Reading & Resources
- For comprehensive space weather science, see the Space Weather journal published by AGU
- The International Space Environment Service (ISES) coordinates global space weather monitoring
- NOAA SWPC provides educational resources on space weather fundamentals
- NASA's Space Weather Research Center offers detailed explanations of space weather phenomena
- Many universities with space physics programs maintain public educational resources
- Historical space weather data archives are available through NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)
Data Fetching & Caching Strategy
Northern Lights Alaska implements a multi-layer caching strategy to ensure fast response times while maintaining data freshness. Real-time endpoints are fetched every 60 seconds, with intelligent error handling and fallback mechanisms. Historical data is cached more aggressively to reduce API load.
- Real-time data: 60-second fetch interval with 30-second cache TTL
- Forecast data: 5-minute fetch interval with 3-minute cache TTL
- Historical data: Daily fetch with 24-hour cache TTL
- Error handling: Exponential backoff retry logic with maximum 3 attempts
- Offline support: Service Worker caching for critical data during network outages
Data Validation & Quality Control
All incoming data undergoes validation checks to ensure accuracy and reliability. Out-of-range values, missing timestamps, and malformed JSON are detected and handled gracefully. Data quality flags from NOAA are respected and displayed to users when available.
- Range validation for all numeric values (Kp: 0-9, DST: -500 to +100 nT, etc.)
- Timestamp validation and chronological ordering checks
- Null value detection and interpolation for minor gaps
- Data freshness verification (warnings if data is stale)
- Schema validation against expected JSON structure
Chart Rendering & Visualization
All charts are rendered using Chart.js 4.x with responsive design principles. Data is preprocessed to optimize rendering performance, with downsampling applied to very large historical datasets. Color schemes follow WCAG accessibility guidelines and are sourced from the SpeciesColors service.
- Chart.js 4.x with responsive canvas rendering
- Automatic data downsampling for datasets exceeding 1000 points
- Shared tooltip synchronization across related charts
- Accessible color palettes with sufficient contrast ratios
- Mobile-optimized chart sizing and touch interactions
- Lazy loading for charts not immediately visible
Performance Optimization
The application is optimized for fast loading and smooth interactions, even on slower network connections. Code splitting, asset optimization, and efficient data structures ensure sub-2-second load times on 3G networks.
- CDN-hosted libraries (Alpine.js, Tailwind CSS, Chart.js) for fast delivery
- Minimal JavaScript footprint (~100KB total)
- Efficient data structures (Map/Set for O(1) lookups)
- Debounced user interactions to prevent excessive API calls
- Progressive enhancement for core functionality
- Service Worker for offline capability and asset caching
Data Transformation & Calculations
Raw NOAA data is transformed into user-friendly formats with appropriate units and scales. Derived metrics (such as aurora probability from Kp index) are calculated using established scientific relationships. All calculations are documented and traceable to source data.
- Unit conversions (nT to appropriate scales, flux units standardization)
- Time zone conversions (UTC to local Alaska time)
- Statistical aggregations (hourly/daily averages from minute data)
- Derived indices (aurora probability, activity levels from Kp/DST)
- Data normalization for multi-year comparisons
- Interpolation for minor data gaps (linear interpolation for <5 minute gaps)
Error Handling & User Feedback
Comprehensive error handling ensures the application remains functional even when data sources are temporarily unavailable. Users receive clear, non-technical feedback about data status, with detailed error information available in developer console for debugging.
- Network error detection with user-friendly messages
- Graceful degradation when optional data is unavailable
- Loading states and progress indicators for data fetches
- Data freshness indicators (last updated timestamps)
- Warning messages for stale or potentially inaccurate data
- Retry mechanisms with exponential backoff
The GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences (Potsdam, Germany) is the official provider of the planetary Kp Index, which is calculated using data from 13 geomagnetic observatories strategically located around the world. The Kp index was introduced by J. Bartels in 1949 and is derived from the standardized K index (Ks) of these observatories. It measures solar particle radiation by its magnetic effects and is considered a proxy for the energy input from the solar wind to Earth.
GFZ also provides the Hp30 and Hp60 indices, which are high-resolution geomagnetic activity indices derived from 30-minute and 60-minute data, respectively. These indices provide more detailed temporal resolution than the traditional 3-hourly Kp index, making them valuable for understanding short-term geomagnetic variations.
Kp Index Data: Available since 1932, updated every 3 hours
Hp30/Hp60 Data: High-resolution indices with 30-minute and 60-minute resolution
Data License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
Official Website: kp.gfz-potsdam.de
Kp Index (Planetary)
The planetary Kp index calculated from 13 geomagnetic observatories. Updated every 3 hours since 1932.
Data Sources: 13 observatories between 44°-60° geomagnetic latitude
Hp30 & Hp60 Indices
High-resolution geomagnetic activity indices with 30-minute and 60-minute temporal resolution.
Resolution: 30-minute (Hp30) and 60-minute (Hp60) intervals
About the Kp Index
The Kp index is calculated from local K-index measurements at 13 geomagnetic observatories positioned between 44° and 60° geomagnetic latitude. Each observatory measures local K-index values (0-9 scale) every 3 hours. These measurements are standardized and normalized to account for each observatory's geomagnetic latitude, then averaged to produce the planetary Kp Index. This ensures consistent global representation regardless of local variations.
The Kp index and derived indices (ap, Ap, Cp, C9) are used to classify international Q-days (quiet days) and D-days (disturbed days). GFZ provides both definitive index values (validated and corrected) and nowcast versions (near real-time) of the indices. All data is subject to the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.
Additional Resources
Aurora Forecasting & Monitoring
UAF Geophysical Institute
University of Alaska Fairbanks aurora forecast and monitoring. Provides Alaska-specific aurora predictions and educational resources about aurora physics.
NOAA Aurora Dashboard
Official NOAA experimental aurora dashboard with real-time aurora probability maps and forecast visualizations.
Space Weather Live
Community-driven space weather monitoring with real-time data, aurora forecasts, and educational content.
UAF Aurora Forecast
Detailed aurora forecast maps and activity levels specifically for Alaska viewing locations.
Data Access & APIs
NOAA Data Access
Complete list of NOAA space weather data services, API documentation, and data format specifications.
NOAA JSON API Directory
Browse all available JSON endpoints with direct links to live data feeds.
NOAA Subscription Services
Email alerts, RSS feeds, and notification services for space weather events and forecasts.
NOAA NCEI Space Weather
Historical space weather data archives, indices, and long-term datasets for research and analysis.
Educational Resources
NOAA SWPC Education
Educational materials, tutorials, and resources about space weather science and forecasting.
NASA Space Weather
NASA's space weather research, missions, and educational content about solar-terrestrial interactions.
Spaceweather.com
Daily space weather news, aurora photography, and educational articles about solar and space physics.
ISEE Nagoya University
Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research with global space weather data and research publications.
International Space Weather Services
International Space Environment Service
Global network of space weather service providers coordinating international monitoring and forecasting.
UK Met Office Space Weather
UK's national space weather forecasting service with operational forecasts and alerts.
GFZ Kp Index
Official Kp index provider. Planetary geomagnetic activity index calculated from 13 observatories since 1932.
GFZ Hp30 & Hp60
High-resolution geomagnetic indices with 30-minute and 60-minute temporal resolution for detailed analysis.
ESA Space Weather
European Space Agency's space weather program, missions, and operational services.
Real-Time Monitoring & Visualization
NOAA Real-Time Solar Wind
Live solar wind data visualization from DSCOVR and ACE spacecraft at L1.
GOES X-Ray Flux Monitor
Real-time X-ray flux plots from GOES satellites for solar flare monitoring.
NOAA Aurora 30-Minute Forecast
Short-term aurora probability forecasts updated every 30 minutes using OVATION model.
Geomagnetic Indices
Real-time and historical geomagnetic indices including Kp, Ap, DST, and AE.
Data Categories
Primary Data Sources
Northern Lights Alaska integrates multiple data streams from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center to provide comprehensive aurora monitoring.
Real-Time Monitoring
Live data from ACE, DSCOVR, and GOES satellites positioned at L1 Lagrange point. Provides 15-60 minutes advance warning for solar wind disturbances.
Update: Every 60 seconds
Latency: 1-5 minutes
Forecast Products
3-day and 27-day geomagnetic forecasts, Kp index predictions, and solar wind models. Updated hourly with extended outlooks.
3-day: Short-term planning
27-day: Extended outlook
Historical Data
Archived Kp index data, geomagnetic storm records, and solar cycle information. Enables trend analysis and pattern recognition.
Archive: Decades of data
Format: JSON & CSV
API Access
Data Access Methods
All data is accessible via RESTful JSON APIs. Endpoints are organized by data type and update frequency.
JSON API
Primary access method via https://services.swpc.noaa.gov/json/. All endpoints return structured JSON data with consistent formatting.
Base URL: services.swpc.noaa.gov/json/
Format: JSON
Products API
Specialized endpoints for forecast products and alerts. Includes text bulletins, images, and structured forecast data.
Base URL: services.swpc.noaa.gov/products/
Types: Text, JSON, Images
Historical Archive
Archived data available in multiple formats. Includes daily, monthly, and yearly aggregations for analysis.
Formats: JSON, CSV, TXT
Access: FTP & HTTP
Data Quality
Reliability & Accuracy
Understanding data quality, update frequencies, and reliability helps you interpret forecasts and make informed decisions.
Update Frequency
Real-time endpoints update every 60 seconds. Forecast products update hourly. Historical data is static once archived.
Real-time: 60 seconds
Forecasts: Hourly
Data Latency
Typical latency from measurement to API availability is 1-5 minutes depending on endpoint. L1 satellite data provides early warning.
Typical: 1-5 minutes
L1 Warning: 15-60 min
Source Reliability
NOAA SWPC is the official U.S. source for space weather. Data is validated, quality-controlled, and used by critical infrastructure.
Source: Official U.S. agency
Quality: Validated & controlled