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 10, 2024
  • Auroral Activity Level: Coronal mass ejection predicted to impact Earth at ~14:00 UT with uncertainty of a few hours. Strong and severe storms (G3-4) predicted, great Northern Lights extremely likely tonight. Check real time data regularly (watch for negative Bz south especially which is great) and keep your eyes on the skies from twilight (20:00).
  • Best Viewing Times: From 23:00
  • Weather Conditions: Clear skies expected in southern part of Iceland. Check cloud cover forecast for your area.
  • Recommended Viewing Locations: Rural areas

Upcoming Predictions:

  • Date: October 11-12, 2024
  • Expected Auroral Activity: Minor to moderate storms (G1-2) expected on October 11-12.
  • Viewing Conditions: Clear skies in some areas. 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 good time to see the Milky Way in the evening sky in Iceland. Look for a faint band of light extending upwards from the southern horizon around 21:30.

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