Kp Index Now
The current planetary Kp index is 5.0 (G1), which means conditions are g1 minor — a minor geomagnetic storm (G1) — the auroral oval expands toward populated latitudes and the field is noticeably disturbed. The Kp index runs from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme); the geomagnetic-storm scale starts at Kp 5 (G1) and rises to Kp 9 (G5). NOAA forecasts a peak of Kp 5.67 (G2) today around 00-03 UTC. This value updates as NOAA SWPC publishes each new 3-hour reading.
Current Kp from NOAA SWPC · checked . See the full live Schumann resonance dashboard for X-ray flux, solar wind and the 3-day forecast.
Kp index scale (0–9) and the G-storm levels
| Kp | G-scale | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | — | Quiet |
| 3 | — | Unsettled |
| 4 | — | Active |
| 5 | G1 | Minor storm |
| 6 | G2 | Moderate storm |
| 7 | G3 | Strong storm |
| 8 | G4 | Severe storm |
| 9 | G5 | Extreme storm |
What, why and when
What it is. The Kp index ("planetary K-index") is a single number, 0 to 9, summarising how disturbed Earth's magnetic field is over a 3-hour window. It is built from magnetometer measurements at a worldwide network of ground stations and is the standard yardstick for geomagnetic storms.
Why it matters. A rising Kp means the field is being buffeted by the solar wind — usually after a solar flare or a coronal mass ejection. High Kp brings aurora to lower latitudes, can degrade GPS and HF radio, and in extreme cases stresses power grids. It's the same disturbance we visualise on the live Schumann resonance monitor.
When to watch. NOAA issues a new Kp roughly every 3 hours, plus a near-real-time estimate. When the live value above climbs toward Kp 5, a geomagnetic storm is beginning — a good moment to check the aurora forecast or set a storm alert.
Kp index — frequently asked
What is the Kp index right now? +
The current planetary Kp index is 5.0 (G1) — g1 minor conditions. NOAA forecasts a peak of Kp 5.67 (G2) today around 00-03 UTC.
What does the Kp index measure? +
The Kp index is a global measure of geomagnetic activity — how disturbed Earth's magnetic field is over a 3-hour window. It is derived from magnetometer readings at a network of ground stations and reported on a scale from 0 (very quiet) to 9 (extreme storm). It is the single most-used number for tracking space-weather storms and aurora.
What is a high Kp index? +
Kp 5 is the threshold for a minor geomagnetic storm (G1). Kp 5–6 is a moderate disturbance, Kp 7 is a strong storm (G3), and Kp 8–9 is severe to extreme (G4–G5). A Kp of 4 or below is not classed as a storm. The higher the Kp, the more likely aurora, GPS interference and grid effects become.
How often does the Kp index update? +
NOAA SWPC publishes a new estimated planetary Kp value roughly every 3 hours, with a near-real-time estimate updated more frequently. We pull the latest value from NOAA on every page load and refresh it live in the background so the number you see is current.
Is the Kp index the same as the G-scale? +
They are linked but not identical. The Kp index is the underlying 0–9 measurement; the G-scale (G1–G5) is NOAA's storm classification built on top of it. Kp 5 = G1, Kp 6 = G2, Kp 7 = G3, Kp 8 = G4, and Kp 9 = G5. Below Kp 5 there is no G-level — conditions are quiet to active.
Does a high Kp index affect people? +
Geomagnetic storms reliably affect technology — satellites, GPS accuracy, HF radio and, in extreme cases, power grids. Effects on people are less established scientifically; some sensitive individuals report headaches, sleep changes or fatigue during high-Kp windows. We track these community-reported patterns alongside the live data without overclaiming a causal link.
Related
The full real-time dashboard — Kp, X-ray flux and the 7.83 Hz Earth frequency.
G1–G5 explained — what each level means for people, tech and aurora.
Get an email the moment Kp reaches G1+ storm level.
Is the aurora visible tonight? Live Kp and latitude guidance.