Great Northern Lights forecast tonight- where it's not raining!

Iceland's leading authority on all things celestial, Stjörnufræðivefurinn (The astronomy web) has published a Northern Lights forecast for the next three days and also predicts an extraordinary viewing week between October 21st to October 26th. 

When watching out for Northern Lights look out for the kp index, a scale of numbers between 0-9 known as the planetary index.  Using this scale, it is easy to determine what kp number you need to have a chance of seeing auroras where you are. You can check out this map HERE .

Thursday October 13th: G1 magnetic storm (Kp 5-6)

Friday October 14th: Slight magnetic storm (Kp 3-4)

Saturday October 15th: Slight magnetic storm (Kp 3)

On the week of October 21st to October 26th Iceland will be experiencing the same solar storm as the one that gave us the spectacular displays at the end of September.  The display was so vivid at the time that the City of Reykjavik turned off the city lights to offer better viewing. 

Article on Iceland Monitor

Reykjavik to switch off street lights for Northern Lights

So, those people who are presently in Iceland and fortunate enough to see clear skies should definitely hunt for Northern Lights tonight.

A solar storm is currently taking place caused by a solar flare.  The next ten days or so should therefore be great for Northern Lights viewing and Stjörnufræðivefurinn recommends going out at 11 pm for the best sightings. 

On the week of October 21st to October 26th Iceland will be experiencing the same solar storm as the one that gave us the spectacular displays at the end of September. Golli / Kjartan Þorbjörnsson