About Solar Ruler

Solar Ruler was created to give people a simple, beautiful way to visualize real-time aurora activity around the world. Many aurora tools are technical, difficult to understand, or cluttered with data. The goal here is to make something anyone can use at a glance.

This project pulls data from NOAA. They provide current data that allows us to provide a current OVATION model and display it as an easy-to-read illuminated aurora band. The globe is interactive, allowing visitors to explore Earth and see where auroral activity is strongest. Below is a graph that shows how the aurora is displayed on the interactive globe.

Aurora Visualization Explenation

Using this site will hopefully lead you to an opportunity to witness the incredible natural light show that is the aurora borealis or aurora australis. Whether you are a seasoned aurora chaser or a curious newcomer, Solar Ruler aims to be a helpful tool in your aurora viewing adventures. The image below was captured using this tool on November 11th, 2025 NorthEast of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Aurora as viewed on Nov 11th, 2025

The Aurora has always been a source of wonder and inspiration for humanity. By providing an accessible way to visualize auroral activity, Solar Ruler hopes to inspire more people to look up and experience the magic of the northern and southern lights.

Ultimately, Solar Ruler is a labor of love for the natural world and the awe-inspiring phenomena it offers. The incredible way that God knit this universe together is on full display with the aurora, and we hope this tool helps more people appreciate and seek out this breathtaking spectacle.