Apr 30 18:53 UTC
57min Forecast
3-Day Forecast

Reykjavík   🌧   6.9°C   Sunset 21:51   Sunrise 04:58   Sun°: 16.89°

Current Northern Lights Conditions in Iceland

Kp1-2

The current Aurora is a Kp1-2 (on a scale of 0-9) and will cover all of Iceland from 23:30. 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 contract to a Kp1.

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
420km/s 14.25p/cm3 9.32nT 7.8nT

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:

Tromsø observatory
69.9 nT
Light Activity
Leirvogur observatory
47.1 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   🌧   6.9°C   Sunset 21:51   Sunrise 04:58   Sun°: 16.89°

Aurora Conditions in 57 minutes

Kp1

The Aurora will contract to a Kp1.

The Kp1 will cover northern Iceland from 23:30. Viewed from Reykjavík, when active, the Aurora will be positioned closely to the NNW horizon and may not be seen from further south than Hella.

Northern Lights Solar Wind Data

Gauge
Speed
Gauge
Density
Gauge
IMF Bt
Gauge
IMF Bz
428.2km/s 17.05p/cm3 10.18nT 5.21nT

Solar Wind Bz Analysis

60 Minutes Icon -5 nT 0 nT 5 nT 10 nT 15 nT Now 11m 23m 34m 46m 57m Planet Icon

The Bz-index will be positive (north). It is unlikely for activity to build unless Bz is negative. 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 30 May 1 May 2
00:00-03:00
Kp 4
Over
Kp 3-4
Kp 1-2
Kp 3
03:00-06:00
Kp 3-4
Over
Kp 2-3
Kp 1-2
Kp 3-4
06:00-09:00
Kp 4
Over
Kp 2-3
Kp 1-2
Kp 2-3
09:00-12:00
Kp 4
Over
Kp 3-4
Kp 1-2
Kp 2-3
12:00-15:00
Kp 3
Over
Kp 2-3
Kp 1-2
Kp 1-2
15:00-18:00
Kp 1-2
Yes
Kp 1-2
Kp 1-2
Kp 2-3
18:00-21:00
Kp 1-2
Yes
Kp 1-2
Kp 1-2
Kp 2-3
21:00-00:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 1-2
Kp 1-2
Kp 2-3
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."