Dec 9 07:14 UTC
62min Forecast
3-Day Forecast

Reykjavík   🌩   5.7°C   Sunset 15:38   Sunrise 11:01   Sun ° : -21.09°

Current Northern Lights Conditions in Iceland

Kp 3-4

The current Aurora is a Kp3-4 (on a scale of 0-9) and will cover all of Iceland from 20:30. Viewed from Reykjavík, when active, the Aurora is positioned between the NNW horizon and above the city. In addition it covers the Faroe Islands and northern-mid Scandinavia.

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

Aurora Conditions in 62 minutes: The Aurora will remain at the same reach.

Inactive

Aurora activity is currently weak and it is unlikely to see it by eye but maybe faintly through a camera if activity is fluctuating slightly between 50 to -50nT and viewed in a dark environment.

Pixelfed Social

2025-09-20 19:49

Watermelon Auroras are tri-colour Auroras with green, white/yellow and pink or red colouration. This image was taken on September 17th near Mosfellsbær. They tend to occur during strong solar wind conditions and are somewhat rare from my experience. Always a treat!

View on Pixelfed

Northern Lights Solar Wind Data

Gauge
Speed
Gauge
Density
Gauge
IMF Bt
Gauge
IMF Bz
385.2km/s 0.5p/cm3 6.59nT -3.75nT

Solar Wind & Bz Analysis

60 Minutes Icon -5 nT 0 nT -60m -48m -36m -24m -12m Now Planet Icon
30 /120 Solar Wind Polarity Indicator
Weak

Solar wind conditions are weak with some negative Bz polarity. This is unlikely to build up sufficient activity for visible Auroras.

Bz conditions arriving on earth now and over the last 60 minutes have been very weak: Though some periods of negative Bz have occured, overall Solar Wind is weak and is unlikely to contribute a lot of energy. The Aurora Oval (Kp Maximum Reach) may remain stable or weaken with overall activity likely to remain flat.

The Bz index has been negative (southward) for 100% of the last 60 minutes, averaging -3.37 nT with a minimum of -3.86 nT. Extended and strong periods of negative Bz are required to create visible Aurora displays.

Magnetometer Data

Time range
First observatory
-0.4 nT
Inactive
Second observatory
-3.3 nT
Inactive

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   🌩   5.7°C   Sunset 15:38   Sunrise 11:01   Sun ° : -21.09°

Aurora Conditions in 62 minutes

Kp 3-4

The Aurora will remain at the same reach.

The Kp3-4 will cover all of Iceland from 20:30. 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
403.7km/s 0.42p/cm3 6.37nT -2.98nT

Solar Wind & Bz Analysis

Planet Icon -5 nT 0 nT Now 12m 25m 37m 50m 62m Satellite Icon
30 /120 Solar Wind Polarity Indicator
Weak

The Solar Wind quality remains steady over the next 62 minutes.

Once conditions reach earth, low activity is expected: Though some periods of negative Bz have occured, overall Solar Wind is weak and is unlikely to contribute a lot of energy. The Aurora Oval (Kp Maximum Reach) may remain stable or weaken with overall activity likely to remain flat.

The Bz index is forecasted to be negative (southward) for 100% of the next 62 minutes, averaging -3.28 nT with a potential low of -3.84 nT. These conditions favor aurora visibility.

3-Day Aurora Forecast by NOAA

TODAY
Time UTC Actual Kp Cond. met? Dec 09 Dec 10 Dec 11
00:00-03:00
Kp 3-4
No
Kp 4-5
Kp 5-6
Kp 2-3
03:00-06:00
Kp 3-4
No
Kp 5-6
Kp 5
Kp 2
06:00-09:00
Kp 3-4
No
Kp 6-7
Kp 5
Kp 2-3
09:00-12:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 6
Kp 4-5
Kp 2-3
12:00-15:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 6-7
Kp 4
Kp 2-3
15:00-18:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 5-6
Kp 3-4
Kp 2-3
18:00-21:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 5
Kp 3-4
Kp 2-3
21:00-00:00
Kp N/A
N/A
Kp 3-4
Kp 1-2
Kp 2-3
Source: SWPC NOAA 3-day Forecast
Updated: 2025-12-09 00:30:00 GMT
Details (English only): "Periods of Kp6 to Kp7 (Moderate to Strong) geomagnetic storms are likely on 09 Dec, due to the anticipated influence of a CME from Dec 06."