Iceland at Night

Latest Aurora Forecast Updates

Stay informed with the most current Northern Lights predictions

Welcome to our Aurora Forecast Updates page, where you can always find the most accurate and up-to-date predictions for the Northern Lights. Whether you're a seasoned aurora chaser or a curious first-timer, this is your go-to source for planning the perfect night under the shimmering skies.

Current Forecast:

  • Date: October 4, 2024
  • Auroral Activity Level: Minor to strong storms predicted to cause bright and active aurora due to the arrival of two powerful coronal mass ejections. This coincides with the fact that the northern lights are most frequently seen around the equinoxes, when even a weak solar wind can spark lovely northern lights. Prepare for a wonderful show!
  • Best Viewing Times: From 21:00
  • Weather Conditions: Clear skies expected in western part of Iceland. Check cloud cover forecast for your area.
  • Recommended Viewing Locations: Rural areas

Upcoming Predictions:

  • Date: October 5-6, 2024
  • Expected Auroral Activity: Activity expected to be high until October 6.
  • Viewing Conditions: Check cloud cover forecast.

Tips for Aurora Viewing:

  1. Timing is Key: The aurora can be unpredictable, so keep an eye on this page for real-time updates and notifications.
  2. Find a Dark Spot: City lights can wash out the aurora, so head to a location with minimal light pollution for the best experience.
  3. Dress Warmly: Aurora viewing often means standing outside for extended periods. Layer up and stay warm.
  4. Be Patient: Sometimes the aurora takes time to reveal itself. Stay patient, keep watching the skies, and you may be rewarded with a breathtaking display.
  5. Watch the real time space weather data: Keep your eyes on the solar wind speed and the north-south direction (Bz value) of the magnetic field; south (negative value) is key.

Note: Aurora forecasts are based on solar activity and weather conditions, both of which can change rapidly. Be sure to check back frequently for the latest updates.

Interested in taking your own images of the aurora? Follow the steps in our article How to photograph the Northern Lights and you'll have beautiful images to share.

What else is up in the sky?

  • Jupiter shines brightly in the east shortly after dark.
  • Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be visible in the low in the Icelandic western sky shortly after sunset from October 10.
  • October is a great time to see the Milky Way in Iceland. Look for a faint band of light extending upwards from the southern horizon around 21:30.

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