Real-Time Aurora Visibility Map

Solar Ruler

Live view of the aurora oval over Earth. The green glow shows where the aurora is strongest right now. Your location is marked in orange when you choose to share it.

Location permission
Solar Ruler can optionally use your approximate location in this browser to highlight where you are on the globe. Your location is stored only on your device and is not sent to our servers.
Using a general view of Earth. • Loading aurora data…

How to use Solar Ruler

1. Rotate the globe with your mouse or finger to explore different regions of Earth.
2. Scroll or pinch to zoom in on areas you are interested in.
3. The green band around the poles shows where the aurora is most likely visible right now, based on NOAA's OVATION model.
4. If you choose to share your location, an orange marker will show roughly where you are on the globe so you can see how close you are to the aurora zone.

What the aurora colors mean here

Solar Ruler simplifies the complex OVATION data into a glowing green belt. Brighter, denser clusters of points represent stronger auroral activity. This model describes where the aurora is most likely to appear, but local conditions like clouds, city lights, and the brightness of the Moon still affect what you can actually see with your eyes. Below, you can use the link to NOAA and see Earth in Real Time to check current cloud cover over your area.

Tips for seeing the aurora

• Get away from city lights and find a dark horizon to the north (or south if you're in the Southern Hemisphere).
• Give your eyes at least 20–30 minutes to adjust to the dark.
• Check the forecast for clear skies – even a strong aurora can be hidden by clouds.
• Use Solar Ruler together with local aurora alerts and space weather reports for the best chances of catching a display.

Privacy, ads, and data usage

Solar Ruler uses a small amount of technical data to operate: your browser, screen size, and basic analytics about how the site is used. If you grant location permission, your approximate coordinates are stored only in this browser to place the orange marker on the globe. They are not sent to our servers.

Thank you for supporting Solar Ruler! This site is funded by non-intrusive ads served via Google AdSense. No personal data is shared with advertisers. We are adding new features and improvements over time, so please check back for updates.

What Makes Solar Ruler Different?

  • Built on NOAA's real-time OVATION auroral model for accurate visibility estimates.
  • Interactive 3D globe lets you explore aurora strength anywhere on Earth instantly.
  • Total instant Aurora North and South visibility at a glance, no complex charts or jargon.
  • Less "data clutter" focuses on what matters for aurora watchers, not overwhelming technical details.

Aurora data updates regularly throughout the day as NOAA processes new solar wind readings.