Apr 3 10:27 UTC
57min Forecast
3-Day Forecast

Reykjavík   🌩   4.9°C   Sunset 20:27   Sunrise 06:34   Sun°: 22.61°

Current Northern Lights Conditions in Iceland

Kp2

The current Aurora is a Kp2 (on a scale of 0-9) and will cover all of Iceland from 23:00. Viewed from Reykjavík, when active, the Aurora is 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.

Aurora Conditions in 57 minutes: The Aurora will expand to a Kp3.

Light Activity

Faint aurora activity can be observed toward the horizon with visible auroras in dark places. 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
433.5km/s 11.26p/cm3 9.3nT 4.52nT

Solar Wind Bz Analysis

60 Minutes Icon 0 nT 5 nT 10 nT -60m -48m -36m -24m -12m Now Planet Icon

The Bz index is currently positive (north facing). It is unlikely that strong activity will build up under such conditions. The Bz index is one of the important "ingredients" for the formation of the Northern Lights, as it indicates whether the particles of the solar wind are (re)connecting with the magnetic field and thus create energy for the formation of the Northern Lights. This is achieved most efficiently when it is facing south (negative).

Magnetometer Data

Time range:

Troms� observatory
-5.3 nT
Light Activity
Leirvogur observatory
9 nT
Inactive

Attention: Reykjav�k (Leirvogur) Observatory is currently not reporting updated readings. This outage is on the Observatory side.

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   🌩   4.9°C   Sunset 20:27   Sunrise 06:34   Sun°: 22.61°

Aurora Conditions in 57 minutes

Kp3

The Aurora will expand to a Kp3.

The Kp3 will cover all of Iceland from 23:00. Viewed from Reykjavík, when active, the Aurora will be positioned between the NNW horizon and the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) star constellation. In addition it might cover the Faroe Islands and northern-mid Scandinavia.

Northern Lights Solar Wind Data

Gauge
Speed
Gauge
Density
Gauge
IMF Bt
Gauge
IMF Bz
448.3km/s 13.36p/cm3 9.24nT 4.43nT

Solar Wind Bz Analysis

60 Minutes Icon -10 nT -5 nT 0 nT 5 nT 10 nT Now 11m 23m 34m 46m 57m Planet Icon

Once these conditions arrive on earth, very light auroras might form after 60 minutes or longer, but keep an eye out on magnetometer data once the conditions have arrived on Earth.

The Bz-index will be negative (south) for 38.6% of time, or a total of 22 minutes over the next 57 minutes with an average of 0.99 nT and a low of -5.18 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 3 Apr 4 Apr 5
00:00-03:00
Kp 4-5
Over
Kp 3-4
Kp 1
Kp 5
03:00-06:00
Kp 3
No
Kp 3-4
Kp 1
Kp 4
06:00-09:00
Kp 3-4
Over
Kp 3
Kp 2-3
Kp 3-4
09:00-12:00
Kp 3-4
Over
Kp 2-3
Kp 3-4
Kp 3-4
12:00-15:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 2
Kp 3-4
Kp 2-3
15:00-18:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 1-2
Kp 3-4
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 2-3
Kp 5
Kp 2-3
Source: SWPC NOAA 3-day Forecast
Details (English only): "Kp4-5 geomagnetic storms are likely on 04-05 Apr due to anticipated recurrent coronal hole activity."