PRO

ATMOSPHERE & SPACE #

FlightLog logbook app includes a tool to visualize your chances of seeing Northern Lights. Click on WEATHER > SPACE WEATHER.

ANDROID : May have unexpected results

iOS recent device ONLY (webGL) :

By pushing the Show 3D Earth you can display a full 3D map you can rotate and zoom.

Space Weather and Kp #

The first row is the Space Conditions including RADIO BLACKOUT, SOLAR RADIATION STORMS and GEOMAGNETIC STORMS. Colors are indicating the storm level -1 to 5 : refer to NOAA SPACE WEATHER SCALES explanations- ), and by taping on any field you’ll have the storm’s consequences displayed.

• RADIO BLACKOUT : in case of alert, depending of alert level, communications can be difficult
• SOLAR RADIATION STORM : due to particles storm (protons) : radiation risk.
• GEOMAGNETIC STORMS : navigation problems.

Below is the CURRENT Kp. Kp is the planetary index which starts at 0 and as the geomagnetic (aurora) strength increases, so too does the Kp number. So Kp 0 being a very weak or none existent aurora, right through to 9 being a major geomagnetic storm with auroras likely in France and even Northern Spain.

If you enable/disable Space Weather notifications within your Settings, you will receive space weather alerts from NOAA as soon as the Kp is greater than 4, or in case of Geomagnetic Storm, Solar Storm, or Radio Blackout.

Aurora Map #

Then a map is showing best areas on world map where are the better chances of viewing an aurora (areas displayed are corresponding to a chance > 15%)

Below is the 3 days forecast of Kp, and some interesting values :

• flux (# of protons/cm3)
• solar wind speed
• solar wind temp
• Bz level (orientation : negative if north > south) : if negative, better chance to see Northern lights. Positive : Southern lights…

All datas are from NOAA/SWPC (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration / Space Weather Prediction Center)

IN FLIGHT #

You can display your chances to see auroras along your flight (great circle or ATC Route if entered)

There are actually 2 zones : PREDICTIVE aurora according to your take off time, and ACTUAL CONDITIONS, more consistant if you have WiFi on board. Predictive areas are not fully reliable as auroras events can be accurately planned 3 hours before.

PREDICTIVE:    

ACTUAL :