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Free Real-Time Radiation Monitor & Solar Weather Dashboard_

Live NOAA SWPC Telemetry · Geomagnetic Storm Tracking · Ionizing Radiation Reporting

Kp Index
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Loading...
Solar Wind
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km/s
Solar Flux
—
SFU (F10.7)
Mag Field Bz
—
nT (southward = storm)
Sensor Network — Live World Map
Region
Layers
Station
● LIVE MODEL
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<0.10 low
0.10–0.20 normal
0.20–0.30 elevated
0.30–0.50 high
≥0.50 anomaly
aurora probability
μSv/h modeled · NOAA live
☢ Selected station
Auroral Oval · NOAA Storm Scales · Solar Wind Gauge
Auroral Oval — Northern Hemisphere Kp —
NOAA Space Weather Scales live · 0–5
Awaiting NOAA scales…
Solar Wind Speed km/s
200calm · elevated · high900+
Global Sensor Network (μSv/h)
Kp Index — Last 24 Hours
Planetary Geomagnetic Activity QUIET
-24h Kp 0-3: Quiet   4: Active   5+: Storm Now
Space Weather Status
IONOSPHERE SPECTRAL DENSITY — DRIVEN BY LIVE Kp
Solar & Cosmic Telemetry
Deep Space Observation —
ParameterValueDelta
Magnetometer Bz — 6 Hour Timeline
Interplanetary Magnetic Field — nT
-6h Bz negative (southward) → geomagnetic coupling Now
Anomaly Log
[--:--:--] Awaiting NOAA SWPC uplink...
Geomagnetic Load
MAGNETOSPHERE LOADING (Kp/9) —
Kp 0 — Quiet Kp 5 — Storm Kp 9 — Extreme

Free Real-Time Radiation Monitor — How It Works

This free real-time radiation monitor provides live reporting on global ionizing radiation levels, solar weather conditions, and geomagnetic activity. All data is sourced directly from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the world's authoritative source for space weather forecasting and solar event reporting. The dashboard updates automatically every 2 minutes, giving you continuous access to live space weather telemetry without any registration, API keys, or fees — a truly free radiation detector you can use from any browser.

The Kp Index chart displays the last 24 hours of planetary geomagnetic activity, measured on a 0 to 9 scale. This index is essential for understanding when geomagnetic storms may affect GPS accuracy, radio communications, power grid stability, and aurora visibility. A Kp value of 5 or above indicates a geomagnetic storm. The color-coded bar chart makes it easy to spot storm periods at a glance, and the status badge provides an instant summary of current geomagnetic conditions — from quiet to extreme storm levels.

Solar Wind & Magnetometer Reporting

The solar wind particle stream visualization shows real-time data from the DSCOVR and ACE spacecraft positioned at the L1 Lagrange point, approximately 1.5 million kilometres upstream of Earth. Particle speed and density are mapped directly to the animation — faster solar wind creates faster-moving particles, and higher proton density increases particle brightness. When solar wind speeds exceed 500 km/s, the display shifts from cyan to yellow, and above 700 km/s it turns red, providing an immediate visual warning of elevated conditions.

The magnetometer Bz timeline tracks the north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field over the past six hours. When Bz turns negative (southward), it enables magnetic reconnection with Earth's magnetosphere, allowing solar wind energy to couple more efficiently into our magnetic field. Extended periods of strongly negative Bz are the primary driver of geomagnetic storms, making this one of the most important parameters for space weather forecasting.

Worldwide Radiation Map & Live Sensor Network

The interactive world map displays modeled ground-level radiation for 61 locations worldwide — from major capitals to famous radiological anomalies: Pripyat (Chernobyl exclusion zone), Fukushima, Ramsar in Iran (the world's highest natural background, driven by radium-rich hot springs), Guarapari's monazite beaches in Brazil, and the thorium belts of Kerala and Yangjiang. Click any station for a full breakdown: dose rate, annual projection, cosmic-ray latitude and altitude factors, live geomagnetic modulation, geology notes, and everyday comparisons (bananas, chest X-rays, flight hours). A region selector jumps between continents, the station picker ranks locations by current level, and the NOAA OVATION aurora oval can be overlaid live. The map goes truly fullscreen with all controls available.

Ground-level radiation estimates are calculated using a physics-based model that combines known geological baselines per city with real-time cosmic ray modulation data. Higher geomagnetic latitude increases cosmic ray exposure due to weaker magnetic shielding, and elevated Kp index values modulate the cosmic ray intensity reaching Earth's surface. While these are modeled estimates rather than direct sensor readings, they use the same real NOAA data that drives professional space weather reporting systems.

Free Radiation Monitor — No Signup Required

This real-time radiation monitor is completely free to use with no account creation, no ads, and no data collection. It runs entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript and public NOAA APIs. Whether you are a space weather enthusiast, a radio amateur monitoring HF propagation conditions, a researcher tracking geomagnetic storm impacts, or simply curious about current radiation levels around the world, this tool provides professional-grade radiation monitoring in an accessible, visually engaging format. It is one of over 100 free browser-based tools available at jasperbernaers.com — all built with the same commitment to real data, zero friction, and beautiful design.

Frequently Asked Questions — Radiation Monitoring Dashboard

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Radiation & Dose Basics
What is μSv/h and what are safe levels?

Microsieverts per hour (μSv/h) measures the rate of ionizing radiation dose absorbed by the human body. Typical natural background radiation is 0.08 to 0.15 μSv/h, varying by altitude, geology, and proximity to radon sources. Anything above 0.50 μSv/h in a residential area triggers a monitoring network alert. For context, a chest X-ray delivers roughly 20 μSv in a single exposure.

What is a normal annual radiation dose?

The global average annual dose from all sources is approximately 2.4 mSv (millisieverts). This breaks down to roughly 1.2 mSv from radon inhalation, 0.5 mSv from external terrestrial radiation, 0.3 mSv from cosmic rays, and 0.3 mSv from food and water. Medical exposures (CT scans, X-rays) add an average of 0.6 mSv in developed countries. The recommended occupational limit is 20 mSv/year.

What radiation dose is dangerous to humans?

Normal background is 1–3 mSv/year (0.1–0.3 μSv/h). Below 100 mSv/year no health effects have ever been demonstrated. A 100 mSv acute dose measurably raises lifetime cancer risk (~0.5%). 1,000 mSv (1 Sv) acute causes radiation sickness; ~5 Sv untreated is often fatal. For perspective: even the highest reading on this map (Ramsar, ~1 μSv/h) works out to under 10 mSv/year — below many regulatory occupational limits.

What is the difference between alpha, beta, and gamma radiation?

Alpha particles (helium nuclei) are stopped by paper or skin but dangerous if inhaled. Beta particles (electrons) penetrate skin but are stopped by aluminium. Gamma rays (photons) penetrate most materials and require lead or concrete shielding. Most environmental monitors measure gamma radiation as it is the dominant external exposure pathway. Neutron radiation from cosmic rays is also significant at altitude.

Do bananas really contain radiation?

Yes — bananas are rich in potassium, and a tiny fraction of natural potassium is radioactive potassium-40. One banana ≈ 0.1 μSv, the informal "banana equivalent dose" (BED). It's a fun way to grasp small doses: living a day in London ≈ 20 bananas; a chest X-ray ≈ 200 bananas; a transatlantic flight ≈ 400. The station detail panel on the map shows every city's dose rate in bananas per day.

What causes elevated radiation readings?

Elevated readings can result from natural sources (radon gas from granite bedrock, cosmic rays at high altitude, thorium-rich soil) or artificial sources (proximity to nuclear facilities, medical isotope production, legacy contamination). Solar particle events (SPEs) during coronal mass ejections can temporarily raise cosmic radiation levels, especially at high latitudes and flight altitudes above 10,000 metres.

Solar & Space Weather
How is Solar Flux (SFU) calculated?

The solar flux unit (sfu) measures the intensity of solar radio emissions at a frequency of 2800 MHz (10.7 cm wavelength). It is recorded daily by observatories worldwide and serves as a primary indicator of solar activity. Values typically range from 60 sfu during solar minimum to over 300 sfu during solar maximum. Higher solar flux correlates with increased UV radiation, geomagnetic storms, and HF radio propagation changes.

What is the Kp Index and why does it matter?

The Kp Index is a global geomagnetic activity index on a 0-9 scale. Values of Kp 5 or above indicate a geomagnetic storm, which can disrupt GPS satellites, HF radio communications, and power grids. Kp 7+ events are classified as severe storms. The Kp Index is derived from magnetometer data at 13 observatories between 44° and 60° geomagnetic latitude.

What do the NOAA R/S/G space weather scales mean?

NOAA rates space weather on three independent 0–5 scales, shown live in the "NOAA Space Weather Scales" panel: R (radio blackout, driven by solar X-ray flares), S (solar radiation storm, driven by energetic protons — mainly relevant to astronauts and polar flights), and G (geomagnetic storm, the same activity the Kp index measures). A 0 on any scale means no storm is in progress.

What do the solar wind speed gauge and Bz chart show?

The wind dial shows the current speed of the solar wind in km/s — 300–400 km/s is considered calm, 600+ km/s is high and often storm-associated. The Bz chart tracks the north–south orientation of the magnetic field carried by that wind: when Bz turns strongly negative it connects more efficiently with Earth's own magnetic field and tends to trigger geomagnetic storms, so a sharp negative Bz reading is often the earliest warning sign before the Kp index itself reacts.

Can a solar storm or geomagnetic storm affect my health?

At ground level, no — Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field absorb solar storm radiation, which is why this dashboard's ground-station estimates barely move even during strong storms. The real risks are for astronauts and high-latitude flight crews (elevated cosmic dose during solar particle events) and for infrastructure: geomagnetic storms (Kp 7+) can disrupt GPS accuracy, HF radio, satellites, and in extreme cases power grids — as in the 1989 Québec blackout.

Where and when can I see the northern lights (aurora)?

It depends on the Kp index. At Kp 3 the aurora stays above ~65° latitude (Iceland, Tromsø, Fairbanks). At Kp 5 (minor storm) it can reach ~55° — Scotland, Denmark, southern Canada. At Kp 7+ it dips to central Europe and the northern US. Toggle the Aurora oval layer on the map above to see NOAA's live OVATION forecast of where the aurora is probable right now. Best viewing: dark, clear nights around the equinoxes, away from city lights.

Real-World Radiation Hotspots
Which places have the highest natural background radiation on Earth?

The record holder is Ramsar, Iran, where radium-rich hot springs push doses up to 260 mSv/year — over 100× the global average — with no confirmed health effects in residents. Other famous natural hotspots: Guarapari, Brazil (monazite-sand beaches, up to 35 μSv/h on the sand), the Kerala coast in India (thorium-bearing monazite, up to 70 mSv/year), Yangjiang, China, and high-altitude cities like Denver and Bogotá. All of these are marked on the live radiation map above — click any station for the full breakdown.

Is Chernobyl (Pripyat) still radioactive today?

Yes. The 1986 accident contaminated the exclusion zone with caesium-137 and strontium-90, both with ~30-year half-lives — so levels have roughly halved twice since 1986 but remain far above normal. Central Pripyat typically reads around 1 μSv/h (10× normal background), with hotspots like the Red Forest much higher. Short guided visits were possible before 2022 because the dose from a day trip stays small — comparable to a long-haul flight. The zone will not be fully habitable for centuries.

What are radiation levels in Fukushima now?

Most of Fukushima prefecture is back to near-normal levels, and the majority of evacuation orders have been lifted. Areas near the plant still read around 0.3–0.5 μSv/h (vs 0.11 in Tokyo), declining roughly 3% per year as caesium-137 decays and weathering carries it away. Japan operates one of the densest radiation monitoring networks in the world, with thousands of public real-time sensors.

How does altitude affect radiation exposure?

Cosmic radiation doubles approximately every 2,000 metres of altitude gain. At sea level, cosmic radiation contributes about 0.03 μSv/h. At commercial flight altitude (10-12 km), it reaches 3-8 μSv/h depending on latitude and solar activity. Airline crews are classified as radiation workers in the EU and receive annual dose monitoring.

How much radiation do I get on a plane flight?

At cruise altitude (10–12 km) cosmic radiation reaches 3–8 μSv/h — roughly 30–60× ground level. A transatlantic flight delivers about 30–60 μSv, similar to 2–3 chest X-rays; polar routes during solar storms can give more. That's why the station detail panel on the map compares each city's dose rate to flight levels, and why aircrew are classified as radiation workers in the EU.

Data Sources & Accuracy
Is the data on this dashboard real-time, and how often does it refresh?

Solar and cosmic telemetry — solar flux, solar wind speed, Kp index, Bz magnetic field, the NOAA R/S/G scales and space weather alerts — is fetched live from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (services.swpc.noaa.gov) and refreshed automatically every 2 minutes, with the on-screen charts and animations updating continuously in between. Ground-level radiation estimates at specific cities are modeled: a known geological/altitude baseline per location is modulated by the live NOAA cosmic-ray data, since the real ground sensor networks (EURDEP, RadNet) don't offer free, browser-accessible APIs for individual station readings.

What monitoring networks provide this data?

Global radiation monitoring relies on networks such as the IAEA International Monitoring System (IMS), Europe's EURDEP (European Radiological Data Exchange Platform) with 5,500+ stations across 39 countries, the US RadNet system, and national networks like FANC (Belgium) and BfS (Germany). Solar data comes from NOAA SWPC, the Penticton Solar Observatory, and ESA's space weather programme.

How can I check radiation levels near me for free?

Three free options: (1) this dashboard's live world map — modeled estimates for 61 locations driven by real NOAA cosmic-ray data; (2) official networks with public maps — EURDEP / EU REMon (5,500+ stations across Europe), US EPA RadNet, Germany's BfS ODL, Belgium's FANC TELERAD; (3) community networks like Safecast, which publishes millions of open Geiger-counter measurements. For emergencies, always rely on your national radiological protection agency.

Using This Dashboard
What do the colors and sizes of the map markers mean?

Each of the 61 monitoring locations is color- and size-coded by its current modeled dose rate: green is low, cyan is normal background, yellow is elevated, orange is high, and red marks an anomaly-level reading — the marker also grows larger as the dose rate increases. Known radiological hotspots like Chernobyl, Fukushima and Ramsar are additionally flagged, so they stand out even before you click them.

How do I jump to a specific region or station?

Use the region dropdown above the map to fly to a continent (Europe, Asia, North America and so on), or the station dropdown to jump straight to a named location — both re-center and zoom the map for you. You can also just click any marker directly to open its detail panel.

Can I use this dashboard in fullscreen or on mobile?

Yes — click the fullscreen button above the map to expand it to fill your screen (press it again, or Esc in most browsers, to exit). The layout also adapts to smaller screens, though the map and charts are easiest to read on a larger display.

Is this dashboard free to use?

Yes, completely free with no signup, no ads, and no data collection. Everything runs 100% in your browser. It is one of the free tools at jasperbernaers.com.

What languages does this dashboard support?

The interface is available in English, Dutch, Spanish, Arabic, Indonesian, French, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese and German — switch via the 🌐 globe icon in the top bar.