Tap or drag across any graph. A vertical line shows the exact time and values at the selected point. All times are shown in Moscow Time.
← Back to camerasThe northern lights depend on several conditions working together. These are practical guidelines for the Murmansk Region, not strict cut-offs: the aurora can appear here even when the readings look modest.
Kp describes global geomagnetic activity over a three-hour interval. Murmansk lies close to the auroral zone, so you do not need to wait for Kp 5.
Rule of thumb: At Kp 1–2 the aurora is already possible; Kp 3–4 raises the chance and usually means more movement; Kp 5+ indicates a geomagnetic storm and a wider oval. The Kp forecast shows a trend, not a promise above one camera.
Speed describes how fast the stream is moving; density shows how many particles it carries. A sudden density jump can mark the arrival of a new front, but high density alone does not guarantee an aurora.
Rule of thumb: 300–400 km/s is a normal background; 450–600 km/s is a useful active range; above 600 km/s is a strong stream. Always read it together with Bz.
Bt is the total strength of the interplanetary magnetic field. Bz is its north–south direction: negative Bz helps solar-wind energy enter the magnetosphere, while positive Bz usually reduces that transfer.
Rule of thumb: Bz below −5 nT for 15–20 minutes is favourable; below −10 nT is very good. Negative Bz matters more when Bt and solar-wind speed are also high. One brief dip is not enough.
The value in gigawatts estimates the total energy entering the northern and southern auroral ovals. For Murmansk, watch the Northern value.
Rule of thumb: Below 20 GW is weak or background activity; 20–50 GW means an active oval; above 50 GW is strong. This is power across the whole hemisphere, not brightness directly above Murmansk.
DST shows how much a magnetic storm has already changed Earth’s magnetic field. The deeper it falls below zero, the stronger the storm. It confirms a broad event rather than predicting the aurora minute by minute.
Rule of thumb: Around 0 nT is quiet; below −50 nT is a noticeable storm; below −100 nT is strong. Murmansk can still see aurora near 0 nT, so never use DST alone.
The green-to-yellow ring shows the modelled position and intensity of the aurora. A brighter section closer to the Kola Peninsula means a better chance of seeing it.
Rule of thumb: Use the map as a quick summary of space-weather conditions, then always compare it with cloud cover and the live camera view.
Bz is staying negative, ideally below −5 nT; the wind has accelerated to about 450 km/s or more; northern oval power is rising. If one camera shows stars, check it first.
The Kp forecast is rising, solar-wind speed or density has increased, and Bz has only just turned negative. Watch the “Current value at Earth” line; once Bz stays negative, switch to the cameras.
Bz remains positive, the solar wind is weak and oval power is low. The aurora is still possible in the Murmansk Region during quiet conditions, so a clear live view matters more than one number.