62 /120
|
Good |
-156.7nT |
Active |
|
Good |
Key Insights
The Aurora is covering Iceland now until approximately 05:00, and is currently active. The Aurora will remain at the same reach over the next 61 minutes. The current activity has exceeded the forecast. Read detailed condition insights below.
Current Northern Lights Conditions in Iceland
Kp
3-4
|
The current Aurora is a Kp3-4 (on a scale of 0-9) and is covering all of Iceland. Viewed from Reykjavík, 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 61 minutes: The Aurora will remain at the same reach. |
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
Speed |
Density |
IMF Bt |
IMF Bz |
431.8km/s | 3.18p/cm3 | 9.81nT | -0.42nT |
Solar Wind & Bz Analysis


62 /120
|
Good |
Solar wind conditions are good with decent wind speeds and negative polarity. Energy intake should build the aurora quickly.
Under the current conditions, strong auroras may occur frequently within the next 30 minutes and beyond. Follow the below magnetometer graph.
As a reference, the Bz-index has been negative (south) for 91.67% of time, or a total of 55 minutes over the last 60 minutes with an average of -5.14 nT and a low of -8.72 nT. The Bz-Index is a key "ingredient" to the creation of the aurora, as it indicates whether energy is building up.
Magnetometer Data
-156.7 nT
|
Active
|
|
45.5 nT
|
Active
|
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.
Aurora Conditions in 61 minutes
Kp
3-4
|
The Aurora will remain at the same reach. The Kp3-4 will cover all of Iceland from 23:02. 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
Speed |
Density |
IMF Bt |
IMF Bz |
415.4km/s | 4p/cm3 | 10.23nT | -4.05nT |
Solar Wind & Bz Analysis


62 /120
|
Good |
The Solar Wind quality remains steady over the next 61 minutes.
Once these conditions arrive on earth, strong auroras may occur frequently once conditions have arrived on earth and propagated.
The Bz-index will be negative (south) for 73.77% of time, or a total of 45 minutes over the next 61 minutes with an average of -2.96 nT and a low of -8.36 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? | Jul 6 | Jul 7 | Jul 8 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
00:00-03:00 |
Kp
4-5
|
Yes |
Kp
4-5
|
Kp
2-3
|
Kp
2-3
|
03:00-06:00 |
Kp
4-5
|
No |
Kp
5
|
Kp
2-3
|
Kp
2-3
|
06:00-09:00 |
Kp
4
|
Over |
Kp
3
|
Kp
2-3
|
Kp
2
|
09:00-12:00 |
Kp
4-5
|
Over |
Kp
3-4
|
Kp
2-3
|
Kp
2
|
12:00-15:00 |
Kp
4
|
Over |
Kp
3-4
|
Kp
1-2
|
Kp
2
|
15:00-18:00 |
Kp
1-2
|
No |
Kp
2-3
|
Kp
1-2
|
Kp
0-1
|
18:00-21:00 |
Kp
3-4
|
Over |
Kp
1-2
|
Kp
2-3
|
Kp
2-3
|
21:00-00:00 |
Kp
3-4
|
Over |
Kp
0-1
|
Kp
2-3
|
Kp
2-3
|
Source: SWPC NOAA 3-day Forecast | |||||
Details (English only): "No Kp4–5 or greater geomagnetic storms are expected for the remainder of 06 Jul, through 08 Jul." | |||||