diff --git a/lib/microwaveprop/propagation.ex b/lib/microwaveprop/propagation.ex
index 2bf742d0..b680bcd4 100644
--- a/lib/microwaveprop/propagation.ex
+++ b/lib/microwaveprop/propagation.ex
@@ -118,33 +118,48 @@ defmodule Microwaveprop.Propagation do
       end
 
     link_degradation = hrrr_profile[:commercial_link_degradation]
+    # Kp is grid-point-invariant within a cycle. Callers populate
+    # `:kp_index` once per scoring run (see SpaceWeather.latest_kp/0)
+    # so we never query the DB inside the per-point band loop. Nil
+    # means no aurora boost — the same fallback that quiet
+    # geomagnetic conditions produce.
+    kp_index = hrrr_profile[:kp_index]
 
     Enum.map(BandConfig.all_bands(), fn band_config ->
-      result = Scorer.composite_score(conditions, band_config)
-
-      boosted_score =
-        if link_degradation do
-          Scorer.commercial_link_boost(result.score, link_degradation)
-        else
-          result.score
-        end
-
-      result =
-        result
-        |> Map.put(:score, boosted_score)
-        |> Map.put(:band_mhz, band_config.freq_mhz)
-
-      result =
-        if link_degradation do
-          put_in(result, [:factors, :commercial_link_degradation], link_degradation)
-        else
-          result
-        end
-
-      if duct_info, do: put_in(result, [:factors, :duct_info], duct_info), else: result
+      conditions
+      |> Scorer.composite_score(band_config)
+      |> finalize_band_result(band_config, link_degradation, kp_index, duct_info)
     end)
   end
 
+  # Apply terminal boosts and stash diagnostic factor entries. Split
+  # out of `score_with_algorithm/7` to keep its cyclomatic complexity
+  # within credo's per-function limit; this helper owns the
+  # band-level conditional plumbing instead.
+  defp finalize_band_result(result, band_config, link_degradation, kp_index, duct_info) do
+    boosted_score =
+      result.score
+      |> maybe_apply_link_boost(link_degradation)
+      |> Scorer.aurora_boost(kp_index, band_config)
+
+    result
+    |> Map.put(:score, boosted_score)
+    |> Map.put(:band_mhz, band_config.freq_mhz)
+    |> maybe_put_factor(:commercial_link_degradation, link_degradation)
+    |> maybe_put_kp_factor(kp_index, band_config)
+    |> maybe_put_factor(:duct_info, duct_info)
+  end
+
+  defp maybe_apply_link_boost(score, nil), do: score
+  defp maybe_apply_link_boost(score, link_degradation), do: Scorer.commercial_link_boost(score, link_degradation)
+
+  defp maybe_put_factor(result, _key, nil), do: result
+  defp maybe_put_factor(result, key, value), do: put_in(result, [:factors, key], value)
+
+  defp maybe_put_kp_factor(result, nil, _band_config), do: result
+  defp maybe_put_kp_factor(result, _kp, %{freq_mhz: f}) when f > 432, do: result
+  defp maybe_put_kp_factor(result, kp, _band_config), do: put_in(result, [:factors, :kp_index], kp)
+
   # Pick the heavier of HRRR's hourly accumulation-derived rate and NEXRAD's
   # reflectivity-derived rate. NEXRAD catches fast-moving convective cells that
   # fall between HRRR hourly analyses; HRRR catches broad stratiform rain that
@@ -574,6 +589,7 @@ defmodule Microwaveprop.Propagation do
 
   defp factors_from_profile(band_mhz, valid_time, profile, lat, lon) do
     profile
+    |> Map.put(:kp_index, current_kp_index())
     |> score_grid_point(valid_time, lat, lon)
     |> Enum.find(fn r -> r.band_mhz == band_mhz end)
     |> case do
@@ -582,6 +598,20 @@ defmodule Microwaveprop.Propagation do
     end
   end
 
+  # Latest geomagnetic Kp from SWPC, used by the aurora boost. Returns
+  # nil if SpaceWeather hasn't been ingested yet (boost falls back to
+  # quiet-conditions no-op). Prefer the integer `kp_index` over
+  # `estimated_kp` so the threshold edges in `Scorer.aurora_boost/3`
+  # are deterministic during the 3-hour window between official Kp
+  # publications.
+  defp current_kp_index do
+    case Microwaveprop.SpaceWeather.latest_kp() do
+      %{kp_index: kp} when is_integer(kp) -> kp
+      %{estimated_kp: kp} when is_number(kp) -> trunc(kp)
+      _ -> nil
+    end
+  end
+
   defp latest_profile_time_within_lookback(%DateTime{} = valid_time) do
     lookback_cutoff = DateTime.add(valid_time, -@fallback_profile_lookback_hours * 3600, :second)
 
diff --git a/lib/microwaveprop/propagation/scorer.ex b/lib/microwaveprop/propagation/scorer.ex
index 2979132f..37461a5f 100644
--- a/lib/microwaveprop/propagation/scorer.ex
+++ b/lib/microwaveprop/propagation/scorer.ex
@@ -271,6 +271,38 @@ defmodule Microwaveprop.Propagation.Scorer do
     clamp_score(score + bonus)
   end
 
+  @doc """
+  Aurora-conditioned terminal boost for VHF/low-UHF bands during
+  active geomagnetic conditions.
+
+  Auroral E-region scatter is observed almost exclusively on
+  50/144/222 MHz, occasionally on 432 MHz, and essentially never at
+  microwave (>432 MHz). The boost magnitude follows the NOAA G-scale:
+  Kp 5+ storms open auroral paths up to ~2500 km, Kp 6 events are
+  reliably workable from much of CONUS, and Kp 7+ are continent-wide.
+
+  * `freq_mhz > 432` — pass-through (microwave doesn't see aurora)
+  * `kp < 4` — pass-through (geomagnetically quiet)
+  * `kp 4` (unsettled) — +5 (mild)
+  * `kp 5` (G1) — +15 (moderate)
+  * `kp 6` (G2) — +25 (strong)
+  * `kp >= 7` (G3+) — +35 (saturated)
+
+  Fractional `estimated_kp` from SWPC's per-minute feed rounds down
+  to the lower integer band so the threshold edges are deterministic.
+  Returns the score clamped to 0-100.
+  """
+  @spec aurora_boost(number(), number() | nil, map()) :: integer()
+  def aurora_boost(score, nil, _band_config), do: clamp_score(score)
+
+  def aurora_boost(score, _kp, %{freq_mhz: f}) when f > 432, do: clamp_score(score)
+
+  def aurora_boost(score, kp, _band_config) when kp >= 7, do: clamp_score(score + 35)
+  def aurora_boost(score, kp, _band_config) when kp >= 6, do: clamp_score(score + 25)
+  def aurora_boost(score, kp, _band_config) when kp >= 5, do: clamp_score(score + 15)
+  def aurora_boost(score, kp, _band_config) when kp >= 4, do: clamp_score(score + 5)
+  def aurora_boost(score, _kp, _band_config), do: clamp_score(score)
+
   defp clamp_score(value) do
     value |> round() |> max(0) |> min(100)
   end
diff --git a/test/microwaveprop/propagation/scorer_test.exs b/test/microwaveprop/propagation/scorer_test.exs
index f2208efc..64d5c3a8 100644
--- a/test/microwaveprop/propagation/scorer_test.exs
+++ b/test/microwaveprop/propagation/scorer_test.exs
@@ -430,6 +430,62 @@ defmodule Microwaveprop.Propagation.ScorerTest do
     end
   end
 
+  describe "aurora_boost/3" do
+    # Auroral E-region scatter is a 50/144/222 phenomenon (rare on
+    # 432, essentially never above). Boost magnitude tracks the NOAA
+    # G-scale: Kp 5+ events open paths up to ~2500 km. Below Kp 4 the
+    # geomagnetic field is quiet and the boost is a no-op.
+    @vhf2m %{freq_mhz: 144}
+    @uhf %{freq_mhz: 432}
+    @microwave10g %{freq_mhz: 10_000}
+
+    test "nil Kp is a no-op" do
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, nil, @vhf2m) == 60
+    end
+
+    test "microwave bands (>432 MHz) pass through regardless of Kp" do
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, 7, @microwave10g) == 60
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, 9, @microwave10g) == 60
+    end
+
+    test "geomagnetically quiet (Kp < 4) is a no-op on VHF" do
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, 0, @vhf2m) == 60
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, 3, @vhf2m) == 60
+    end
+
+    test "Kp 4 (unsettled) is a small boost on VHF" do
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, 4, @vhf2m) == 65
+    end
+
+    test "Kp 5 (G1 storm) is a moderate boost on VHF" do
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, 5, @vhf2m) == 75
+    end
+
+    test "Kp 6 (G2 storm) is a strong boost on VHF" do
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, 6, @vhf2m) == 85
+    end
+
+    test "Kp 7+ (G3+ storm) saturates the boost" do
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, 7, @vhf2m) == 95
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, 9, @vhf2m) == 95
+    end
+
+    test "boost is clamped to 100" do
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(80, 7, @vhf2m) == 100
+    end
+
+    test "70cm (432 MHz) is included — auroral propagation does occur there" do
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, 6, @uhf) == 85
+    end
+
+    test "fractional Kp (estimated_kp) rounds down to the band" do
+      # 4.67 → still in the Kp-4 (unsettled) band, +5 boost
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, 4.67, @vhf2m) == 65
+      # 5.33 → into Kp-5 (G1) band, +15 boost
+      assert Scorer.aurora_boost(60, 5.33, @vhf2m) == 75
+    end
+  end
+
   # ── score_sky/1 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
   describe "score_sky/1" do
diff --git a/test/microwaveprop/propagation_test.exs b/test/microwaveprop/propagation_test.exs
index ce63106a..06b9e359 100644
--- a/test/microwaveprop/propagation_test.exs
+++ b/test/microwaveprop/propagation_test.exs
@@ -61,6 +61,50 @@ defmodule Microwaveprop.PropagationTest do
       end)
     end
 
+    test "kp_index in the profile boosts VHF/UHF scores during geomagnetic storms" do
+      # Same profile, once geomagnetically quiet, once during a Kp 6
+      # event. The aurora boost lifts 50/144/222/432 scores and is a
+      # no-op at microwave (>432 MHz).
+      base_profile = %{
+        surface_temp_c: 25.0,
+        surface_dewpoint_c: 18.0,
+        surface_pressure_mb: 1013.0,
+        hpbl_m: 500.0,
+        wind_u: 3.0,
+        wind_v: 2.0,
+        cloud_cover_pct: 15.0,
+        precip_mm: 0.0,
+        profile: [
+          %{"pres" => 1000.0, "tmpc" => 25.0, "dwpc" => 18.0, "hght" => 100.0},
+          %{"pres" => 950.0, "tmpc" => 19.0, "dwpc" => 10.0, "hght" => 600.0}
+        ]
+      }
+
+      valid_time = ~U[2026-07-15 13:00:00Z]
+
+      quiet = Propagation.score_grid_point(base_profile, valid_time, 33.0, -97.0)
+
+      stormy =
+        base_profile
+        |> Map.put(:kp_index, 6)
+        |> Propagation.score_grid_point(valid_time, 33.0, -97.0)
+
+      assert Enum.find(stormy, &(&1.band_mhz == 144)).score >
+               Enum.find(quiet, &(&1.band_mhz == 144)).score
+
+      assert Enum.find(stormy, &(&1.band_mhz == 432)).score >
+               Enum.find(quiet, &(&1.band_mhz == 432)).score
+
+      # 10 GHz must be unchanged — aurora doesn't reach microwave.
+      assert Enum.find(stormy, &(&1.band_mhz == 10_000)).score ==
+               Enum.find(quiet, &(&1.band_mhz == 10_000)).score
+
+      # VHF result should expose kp_index in factors for UI/diagnostics.
+      assert Enum.find(stormy, &(&1.band_mhz == 144)).factors.kp_index == 6
+      # Microwave should NOT expose kp_index — the boost doesn't apply there.
+      refute Map.has_key?(Enum.find(stormy, &(&1.band_mhz == 10_000)).factors, :kp_index)
+    end
+
     test "NEXRAD reflectivity drops the 24 GHz rain score when HRRR precip_mm is 0" do
       # Same profile, once without NEXRAD and once with a heavy-rain dBZ. The
       # 24 GHz rain-score factor must drop because NEXRAD can report rain that