An Aurora Forecast for Australia, Scored for Your Spots
Kp index, moon phase, cloud cover, solar wind—aurora photography is a logistics puzzle. ShutterTime scores conditions in real-time so you're not driving 4 hours on a hunch.
Sound familiar?
Full moon washed it out
Checked the Kp index, drove 3 hours south, but forgot about the moon. The aurora was there—you just couldn't see it.
Clear at home, cloudy down south
Your local forecast was perfect. The aurora location? Overcast. Weather varies dramatically over 150 kilometres.
Aurora too low on the horizon
The Kp was strong, but the aurora was hugging the horizon behind trees and hills. Needed higher activity or a different location.
Missed the outbreak
Solar storms don't wait for convenient hours. The best aurora activity was 2am-4am, and you were asleep.
What ShutterTime tracks
Kp Index
Geomagnetic activity from 0-9. Higher = stronger aurora. Kp 4-5 is usable from Tasmania. Kp 6+ to reach Melbourne latitudes.
Moonless Nights
Moon illumination affects aurora visibility dramatically. Bright moon washes out faint aurora. New moon is ideal.
Cloud Cover
Must be clear in the direction of the aurora. A clear southern horizon matters more than a clear sky overhead.
Latitude Adjusted
Kp requirements vary by your location's latitude. Tasmania and southern NZ can see it at Kp 4-5; Melbourne and south-west WA need Kp 6+.
Frequently asked questions
What Kp index do I need to see the aurora?
It depends on your latitude. From Tasmania and southern New Zealand, Kp 4-5 is often enough. From Melbourne latitudes (the Mornington Peninsula, the Great Ocean Road) and south-west WA, you usually need Kp 6+. Further north it takes an extreme storm (Kp 8+). ShutterTime adjusts scoring based on your location.
How far in advance can aurora be predicted?
Short-term forecasts (1-3 hours) are most reliable, based on real-time solar wind data. 1-3 day forecasts are possible when coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are detected heading toward Earth. ShutterTime monitors both real-time conditions and upcoming forecasts.
Where should I look for the aurora?
In the southern hemisphere, look south. The aurora australis forms an oval centred on the south magnetic pole, so from Australia it usually sits low over the southern horizon. Pick a spot with a clear, dark view south, ideally over water. ShutterTime factors in the direction of aurora activity when scoring cloud cover.
Can I get alerts for aurora activity?
Yes. Create an aurora profile with Kp index as a must-have condition. Set a score threshold on your southern locations and ShutterTime will notify you when geomagnetic activity, clear skies, and dark conditions align.
Related features
Milky Way and night sky planning
Golden hour and weather conditions
Coastal aurora and reflections