CINEMATIC VISUALIZATION OF REAL TIME AURORA FORECASTS IN HOUDINI

This paper presents a real-time, data-driven pipeline for cinematic visualization of auroral activity using Houdini. Leveraging NOAA’s OVATION Prime model, which updates auroral probability every five minutes, the pipeline transforms geospatial probability data into visually compelling volumetric simulations. Iso-contours derived from probability values form auroral curtains, along which procedural instancing and attribute-driven controls allow artists to manipulate color, density, and emission intensity. The methodology bridges scientific forecasting with artistic rendering, producing dynamic auroral structures that balance physical grounding with cinematic aesthetics. Results demonstrate how satellite-based aurora forecasts can be transformed into immersive visualizations suitable for scientific communication, education, and media applications.