Reykjavík 🌧 3.2°C Sunset 20:24 Sunrise 06:37 Sun°: 23.79°

Aurora visibility

Sufficient darkness to see the Aurora from 21:50 Iceland local time. Can't wait that long? Check out the Gallery!

Key Insights

The Northern lights forecast for 21:00-00:00 might be better than expected, with light to moderate activity. Current Aurora conditions have exceeded their forecasts which may indicate higher than anticipated solar activity. The solar wind changes often, check the latest data here as it becomes available. Arrival of the Aurora locally is estimated at 19:00, with some visibility likely before if the Aurora is 'active' or 'very active'.

Current Northern Lights Conditions in Iceland

Kp4-5

The current Aurora is a Kp4-5 (on a scale of 0-9) and will cover all of Iceland from 19:00. Viewed from Reykjavík, when active, the Aurora can be visible above the city and in all directions. In addition it covers the Faroe Islands, middle Scandinavia and the northern UK.

During active periods, visibility is likely to extend to the mid UK and Ireland, southern Scandinavia, the Netherlands, northern Germany and northern Poland.

Aurora Conditions in 56 minutes: The Aurora will remain at the same reach.

Inactive

Aurora activity is currently weak and it is unlikely to see it by eye but maybe faintly through a camera if activity is fluctuating slightly between 50 to -50nT and viewed in a dark environment.

Northern Lights Solar Wind Data

Speed	Density	IMF Bt	IMF Bz
471.5km/s	13.19p/cm³	10.77nT	-8.9nT

Solar Wind Bz Analysis

Under the current conditions, strong auroras may occur frequently within the next 30 minutes and beyond. Follow the below magnetometer graph.

As a reference, the Bz-index has been negative (south) for 100% of time, or a total of 60 minutes over the last 60 minutes with an average of -5.12 nT and a low of -9.21 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:

	106.8 nT	Inactive
	17.7 nT	Inactive

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 🌧 3.2°C Sunset 20:24 Sunrise 06:37 Sun°: 23.79°

Aurora Conditions in 56 minutes

Kp4-5

The Aurora will remain at the same reach.

The Kp4-5 will cover all of Iceland from 19:00. Viewed from Reykjavík, when active, the Aurora might be visible above the city and in all directions. In addition it might cover the Faroe Islands, middle Scandinavia and the northern UK.

During active periods, visibility is likely to extend to the mid UK and Ireland, southern Scandinavia, the Netherlands, northern Germany and northern Poland.

Northern Lights Solar Wind Data

Speed	Density	IMF Bt	IMF Bz
447.1km/s	13.13p/cm³	11.5nT	-5.53nT

Solar Wind Bz Analysis

Once these conditions arrive on earth, strong auroras may occur frequently once conditions have arrived on earth and propagated.

The Bz-index will be negative (south) for 100% of time, or a total of 56 minutes over the next 56 minutes with an average of -5.4 nT and a low of -8.93 nT.

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

▲	106.8^nT
66°N
▼

Time ^UTC	Actual Kp	Cond. met?	Apr 2	Apr 3	Apr 4
TODAY
00:00-03:00	Kp 3	Over	Kp 1	Kp 1-2	Kp 1
03:00-06:00	Kp 4-5	Over	Kp 3-4	Kp 1-2	Kp 1
06:00-09:00	Kp 4-5	Over	Kp 2-3	Kp 1-2	Kp 2-3
09:00-12:00	Kp 4-5	Over	Kp 2-3	Kp 1-2	Kp 3-4
12:00-15:00	Kp N/A	N/A	Kp 2-3	Kp 1-2	Kp 3-4
15:00-18:00	Kp N/A	N/A	Kp 2	Kp 1-2	Kp 3-4
18:00-21:00	Kp N/A	N/A	Kp 2	Kp 1-2	Kp 3-4
21:00-00:00	Kp N/A	N/A	Kp 2-3	Kp 1-2	Kp 5
Source: SWPC NOAA 3-day Forecast
Details (English only): "Kp4-5 storm conditions are likely on 04 Apr as a CIR preceding a recurrent CH HSS is expected to become geoeffective."

Emerald Skies ehf. Kennitala: 710124-0860	v4.1.21425
Emerald Skies would like to thank Tromsø Geophysical Observatory at UiT the Arctic University of Norway for providing data from the Tromsø Magnetic Observatory.
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Aurora visibility

Key Insights

Current Northern Lights Conditions in Iceland

Northern Lights Solar Wind Data

Solar Wind Bz Analysis

Magnetometer Data

Aurora Chasers Info

Magnetometer Reading Guide:

Key Points:

Aurora Conditions in 56 minutes

Northern Lights Solar Wind Data

Solar Wind Bz Analysis

3-Day Aurora Forecast by NOAA