Apr 26 05:15 UTC
56min Forecast
3-Day Forecast

Reykjavík   🌧   7.9°C   Sunset 15:47   Sunrise 11:15   Sun°: -1.14 °

Current Northern Lights Conditions in Iceland

Kp3

The current Aurora is a Kp3 (on a scale of 0-9) and will cover all of Iceland from 21:00. Viewed from Reykjavík, when active, the Aurora is positioned between the NNW horizon and the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) star constellation. In addition it covers the Faroe Islands and northern-mid Scandinavia.

Aurora Conditions in 56 minutes: The Aurora will contract to a Kp1-2.

Light Activity

Faint aurora activity can be observed with visible auroras in dark places. Pay attention to Kp position. Use a camera to find the aurora if not visible straight away.

Northern Lights Solar Wind Data

Gauge
Speed
Gauge
Density
Gauge
IMF Bt
Gauge
IMF Bz
455km/s 0.92p/cm3 4.62nT 4.6nT

Solar Wind Bz Analysis

60 Minutes Icon -5 nT 0 nT 5 nT -60m -48m -36m -24m -12m Now Planet Icon

Under the current conditions, medium to strong auroras may occur over the next 30-60 minutes or once magnetometer data fluctuates by, or drops to, -100nT. Follow the below magnetometer graph.

As a reference, the Bz-index has been negative (south) for 76.67% of time, or a total of 46 minutes over the last 60 minutes with an average of -1.3 nT and a low of -3.22 nT. The Bz-Index is a key "ingredient" to the creation of the aurora, as it indicates whether energy is building up.

Magnetometer Data

Time range:

Tromsø observatory
9.4 nT
Charging
Leirvogur observatory
-6.5 nT
Light Activity

light_activity

Aurora Chasers Info

This magnetometer section contains data from both the magnetometer in Tromsø and the magnetometer in Reykjavík (Leirvogi). These locations are at latitudes from 69 to 64 degrees north – the Arctic Circle is at 66 degrees north – and allow us to measure aurora activity over a wide area. With these two measurements, it is possible to identify the intensity and also the approximate location of the lights.

Tromsø (69° N): When the Tromsø magnetometer shows increased activity, increased aurora activity can be expected towards the northern (NNE to NNW) horizon. However, weather and atmospheric conditions can affect visibility.

Reykjavík (64° N): Increased readings here indicate northern lights near Iceland, often visible towards the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) (Kp2 to Kp3-4) or directly overhead or towards the southern horizon (Kp4 or higher), when viewed from Reykjavík. The further North you are in Iceland, the better the chances of seeing strong northern lights even with low Kp factors. Staying in the South, you need at least Kp2.

Magnetometer Reading Guide:

Inactivity: Auroras typically become visible when magnetometer readings approach or exceed ±50nT.

Charging Phase: When magnetometers rise above 50nT, it suggests that geomagnetic activity is increasing, and the field is "charging".

Substorm Activity (Active or Very Active): These are usually indicated by sharp drops in magnetometer readings, measuring a decline of 100nT from the starting position or falling below -100nT. Very active substorms will drop well below -250nT and lower.

Weakening Phase: After a substorm, if readings rise from below a negative value, it indicates that the energy is dissipating.

Key Points:

Positive readings above 50nT that are rising generally indicate building geomagnetic activity.

Visibility of the aurora by eye starts from ±50nT, depending on atmospheric conditions, light pollution and other factors.

Readings around or above 100nT suggest auroras might be visible whilst continuing to build energy.

Significant drops below -100nT or sudden changes in readings often signal substorm activity, meaning strong aurora displays.

By monitoring these readings, you can better predict and observe the mesmerizing auroras, whether you're a novice or a seasoned chaser. Always consider local weather conditions and light pollution for the best viewing experience.

Reykjavík   🌧   7.9°C   Sunset 15:47   Sunrise 11:15   Sun°: -1.14 °

Aurora Conditions in 56 minutes

Kp1-2

The Aurora will contract to a Kp1-2.

The Kp1-2 will cover all of Iceland from 21:00. Viewed from Reykjavík, when active, the Aurora will be positioned above the NNW horizon. When viewing the Aurora from the South Coast, seek higher ground and avoid mountains in a NNE-NNW direction where possible.

Northern Lights Solar Wind Data

Gauge
Speed
Gauge
Density
Gauge
IMF Bt
Gauge
IMF Bz
421.3km/s 2.18p/cm3 6nT -0.3nT

Solar Wind Bz Analysis

60 Minutes Icon -5 nT 0 nT 5 nT Now 11m 22m 34m 45m 56m Planet Icon

Once these conditions arrive on earth, medium to strong auroras are likely under these conditions, especially if the previous hour has seen mostly negative Bz activity.

The Bz-index will be negative (south) for 21.43% of time, or a total of 12 minutes over the next 56 minutes with an average of 1.87 nT and a low of -2.99 nT.

The Bz-Index is a key "ingredient" to the creation of the aurora, as it indicates whether energy is building up.

3-Day Aurora Forecast by NOAA

TODAY
Time UTC Actual Kp Cond. met? Apr 26 Apr 27 Apr 28
00:00-03:00
Kp 1-2
No
Kp 2-3
Kp 3-4
Kp 3
03:00-06:00
Kp 3
Over
Kp 2
Kp 2
Kp 2
06:00-09:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 2-3
Kp 2
Kp 2
09:00-12:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 2
Kp 3
Kp 2-3
12:00-15:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 2
Kp 3
Kp 2-3
15:00-18:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 2
Kp 4
Kp 2-3
18:00-21:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 2
Kp 3-4
Kp 2-3
21:00-00:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 2
Kp 3
Kp 3
Source: SWPC NOAA 3-day Forecast
Details (English only): "No Kp4-5 or greater geomagnetic storms are expected. No significant transient or recurrent solar wind features are forecast."