There’s been more auroras recently as we’re either in or approaching the peak of the solar cycle. I caught my first aurora during the G5 geomagnetic storm back in May this year and I caught a glimpse of another one from my backyard today.

Here’s some resources that I’ve found useful as someone based in inner Victoria:

Aurora forecasts and updates

• NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center - Current space weather conditions and alerts for events that may result in auroras
• Aurora dashboard | US NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) - Current aurora conditions and 3-day forecast of Kp index
• Aurora dashboard | Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC / BOM) - Current aurora conditions and aurora advisories for Australia
• Aurora Australis Forecast - Prediction of storm intensity in next few minutes (lead time up to 15 minutes)
• Aurorasaurus - Aurora sighting reports
• Southern Hemisphere Aurora Group | Facebook - Aurora forecasts and sightings for southern hemisphere
• Southern Hemisphere Aurora Group: Your Aurora Australis Resource for Strength Estimation (SHAG: UPYAARSE) | Facebook - Aurora forecasts for southern hemisphere
• /r/melbourne - Occasionally has aurora alerts and sightings

Other useful resources

• Satellite Viewer | BOM - Current cloud cover
• Light pollution map

Tips

• Megathread from @Vincent_Ledvina
• BOM Weather Guide: Catching the Aurora
• Where to see the Aurora Australis in Melbourne

That’s all for today. Stay safe and happy hunting!