This provides a short-term forecast for where and how strong the aurora, or northern lights, will be. It relies on the OVATION model and predicts the aurora's location and intensity within a 30 to 90 minute timeframe. The forecast lead time is the duration it takes for solar wind to travel from the L1 observation point to Earth.

The maps illustrate Earth's North and South poles. The aurora, depicted as a green oval around Earth's magnetic pole, brightens and turns red when a more intense display is expected. The sunlit side of Earth is represented by lighter blue oceans and continents. Aurora is typically visible shortly after sunset or just before sunrise, and it's not observable during daylight. Even if not directly overhead, the aurora can be seen up to 1000 km away under bright conditions.

Beyond its visual appeal, the aurora serves as an indicator of current geomagnetic storm conditions, offering awareness for various technologies. It directly affects HF radio communication, GPS/GNSS satellite navigation, and is linked to ground-induced currents impacting electric power transmission.

For many, the aurora is a captivating nighttime spectacle worth traveling to arctic regions to witness. It provides a unique opportunity for individuals to experience space weather firsthand.