Apr 2 03:02 UTC
54min Forecast
3-Day Forecast

Reykjavík   🌧   1.8°C   Sunset 20:24   Sunrise 06:37   Sun°: -19.01°

Current Northern Lights Conditions in Iceland

Kp3

The current Aurora is a Kp3 (on a scale of 0-9) and is covering all of Iceland. Viewed from Reykjavík, 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 54 minutes: The Aurora will expand to a Kp3-4.

Active

The Aurora is now visible in areas covered by the auroral oval, provided there is sufficient darkness (refer to the Kp index and map above for positioning). If the magnetic disturbance index is lower than -100nT, the Aurora should be visible to the naked eye under moderately dark conditions. Aurora activity can change rapidly and may be short-lived, appear in bursts, or be faint. It is highly unpredictable how the Aurora will manifest. Using a camera can help reveal faint auroral lights.

Northern Lights Solar Wind Data

Gauge
Speed
Gauge
Density
Gauge
IMF Bt
Gauge
IMF Bz
422.3km/s 10.23p/cm3 9.47nT -4.52nT

Solar Wind Bz Analysis

60 Minutes Icon -10 nT -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 65% of time, or a total of 39 minutes over the last 60 minutes with an average of -1.43 nT and a low of -6.37 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:

Troms� observatory
-180.5 nT
Active
Leirvogur observatory
-172.5 nT
Active

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   🌧   1.8°C   Sunset 20:24   Sunrise 06:37   Sun°: -19.01°

Aurora Conditions in 54 minutes

Kp3-4

The Aurora will expand to a Kp3-4.

The Kp3-4 will cover all of Iceland from 03:56. Viewed from Reykjavík, when active, the Aurora will be positioned between the NNW horizon and above the city. In addition it might cover the Faroe Islands and northern-mid Scandinavia.

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

Northern Lights Solar Wind Data

Gauge
Speed
Gauge
Density
Gauge
IMF Bt
Gauge
IMF Bz
448.7km/s 12.65p/cm3 10.18nT -5.17nT

Solar Wind Bz Analysis

60 Minutes Icon -10 nT -5 nT 0 nT 5 nT Now 11m 22m 32m 43m 54m 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 92.59% of time, or a total of 50 minutes over the next 54 minutes with an average of -3.23 nT and a low of -6.37 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 2 Apr 3 Apr 4
00:00-03:00
Kp 3
Over
Kp 1
Kp 1-2
Kp 1
03:00-06:00
Kp 3
No
Kp 3-4
Kp 1-2
Kp 1
06:00-09:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 2-3
Kp 1-2
Kp 2-3
09:00-12:00
Kp N/A
N/A
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."