Northern Lights Tonight Dear Aurora Enthusiast, Here is a dashboard for all of you Aurora Hunters trying to see the Northern Lights tonight. How to see the northern lights better The northern lights are best viewed on cloudless, dark nights. The Northern Lights! The light becomes visible when the particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Below you'll find the daily maximum expected global geomagnetic conditions (Kp) for the coming 27 days. The earliest explanations and descriptions fuelled the myths and mystery surrounding the northern lights, and it was not until the 17th century that the phenomenon was studied in a more systematic and scientific manner. Producing Aurora Forecasts for Iceland based on Space and Earth weather predictions, including Moonlight and Weather Warnings. The tool works in close to real time, so it doesn’t show anything in the summer months. ... and since then we've been to Norway twice and spotted the lights both times. "a journey in search of the Northern Lights" Ⓥ | Small group 8 max | Photography. In addition to our own easy to understand Aurora forecast we send out notifications when the Northern Light appears. In fact, it has one of the worlds highest densities of the Northern Lights! ‎Aurora Forecast application lets you easily plan to see the Northern Lights. Northern Lights Forecast . The more sunspots, the more solar flare energy is being released into space (which means more aurora activity!). Using real-time solar wind data from Nasa’s ACE spacecraft, matched with data obtained from a network of magnetometers located worldwide, we are able to forecast, with reasonable accuracy, how the Northern Lights will behave up to one hour in advance.The image shows estimated aurora activity now. Explanation of the symbolsThe northern lights are present all year around, but we can’t see them unless the evenings and nights are dark. The Earth’s magnetic field directs the particles towards the openings near the North and South Poles, and thus the phenomenon can only be observed near the magnetic poles. Long term Kp forecast. From n3kl.org. We have designed The Northern Lights Forecast to maximize your chances of experiencing the Aurora in the Tromso region of Arctic Norway, by using the calendar below. image.attr("src", image.data("src") + "?" To forecast Northern Lights in Norway, the best prediction site is the Norwegian Center for Space Weather (NOSWE). Find the current KP … Where can you see the northern lights? Our bold claim is that this part of Norway, with its multiple islands, deep fjords and steep mountains, is among the most beautiful and interesting places to see the northern lights. Use a large aperture, preferably of f/2.8 or better. This map gives a forecast, for the next 30 to 40 minutes, showing the size of the aurora and the places in the world where it can be observed. If you are a serious aurora watcher, plan to spend the night with Aurora Forecast application. The northern lights are visible in a belt around the magnetic North Pole. It must be a dark, cloudless night for the northern lights to be visible. This research still continues today, and it has given us new information about the sun, the Earth's atmosphere and near space. The northern lights are therefore always present. A connection was gradually discovered between the northern lights and magnetic disruptions, and that the sun's activity influenced the phenomenon. Please note that the forecast changes frequently and is most reliable at about 6 pm of the current day. Visit TGO All-sky Cameras! The polar light in the northern hemisphere is called aurora borealis - or northern lights - while the polar lights in the southern hemisphere are called aurora australis, the southern lights. Details about the service are also published in Journal for Space Weather and Space Climate, and can be downloaded here. The sun has a heartbeat. It is best to use a wide-angle lens, the brighter (ie. image.attr("src", image.data("src") + "?" Photo tips There are a few additional things you should remember if you want to take good photos of the northern lights. Aurora in Northern Norway right now? The probability as well as the intensity of the light is represented by a gradient of colors (going from green to red). Alta is a modern city of 20,000 people found in a secluded and protected pine-clad valley at 70 degrees north, surrounded by arctic tundra and mountains. Choose an ISO setting between 100 and 400. + d.getTime() + "&" + image.data("query")); People were advised against waving white clothing at the northern lights, as this would anger them and cause them to remove you from Earth. Use a digital camera with interchangeable lenses and a remote control release. are unpredictable so we do not try to predict or forecast, instead we use our 13 specially made Aurora cameras in Lapland, Norway, Iceland, USA, and Alaska that are linked to a detection system a bit like face recognition, we send you real-time alerts when the majestic aurora is detected. Light pollution from buildings and roads may degrade the viewing experience, so try to find viewing areas away from sources of light. Image should be used as a guide only, it is based on predicted … Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands - KP 1.8 . 298. Found directly under the northern lights oval, Alta enjoys a stable inland climate with plenty of clear skies that allow aurora to appear most nights.In fact, the first modern studies of the northern lights started here. By Northern … Myths and legends about the northern lights There were a great deal of mystery and myths associated with the northern lights in former times. History The northern lights have fascinated and captivated people through the ages, and they are mentioned in texts written by Aristotle, among others. If you want to know Alaska’s night forecast from midnight to sunrise, when the aurora is often more active, you should look at the next day’s forecast. When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights? Oh no! Because of their location and accessibility, the counties of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark are perfect as a base for experiencing the northern lights. Visit Norway, the official travel guide to Norway, gives you a user-friendly northern lights forecast app with an overview of places known as “northern light cities” in Norway. Weather permitting, aurora displays may be visible overhead or on the horizon in Bodø (Norway), Sodankylä (Finland), Kiruna (Sweden) and Siglufjörður (Iceland). The forecast lead time is the time it takes for the solar wind to … My Aurora Forecast is the best app for seeing the Northern Lights. The Sami people believed that the northern lights had supernatural power, and they used symbols from the lights on their shaman drums. Others believed, on the contrary, that the northern lights would wink back if you waved a white garment at them. Try again. large aperture) the better. { It's time to see the Northern Lights. This is a short-term forecast of the location and intensity of the aurora. Aurora, Chatanika, Alas Cafego’s Aurora View (Tony’s cam), Fairbanks, Alaska New!!! setInterval(function() Copyright © 2013 Innovation NorwayAll rights reserved. Deactivate the flash and automatic settings. Winter and spring are generally less cloudy than fall, and summer sees too many long days and not enough dark hours. With this app, you'll be seeing the Northern Lights in no time. Keep the batteries in your pocket until you’re ready to use them, as some batteries will have a temporarily lower capacity than normal when cold. Loading data and initializing the application. There is a greater chance of stable winter weather inland and in the inner reaches of the fjords. This is known as the solar cycle and is measured by the number of sunspots visible on the sun. Norway Lights is another website that provides graphics to help you forecast if the aurora will be visible. In 1886, Norwegian physicist Kristian Birkeland formulated the first comprehensive theory on the northern lights based on these previous observations. The Aurora forecast is provided using the SvalTrackII software developed by Prof. Fred Sigernes at the University Centre in Svalbard operated Kjell Henriksen Observatory. When the activity is high, the northern light icon has a bright color. Birkeland developed and underpinned his theory, and his work came to form the basis for modern research on the northern lights. [Features] - SWPC ovation 30-Min auroral forecast - Geomagnetic activity probabilities -… How does the phenomenon occur? The colour spectrum of the northern lights The northern lights can be many different colours. Historically, the chances of seeing the northern lights are best viewed in Northern Norway between October and March, because the polar night makes them easier to see. Sustainable Tourism The Aurora Borealis Observatory is a small family driven resort located at Senja Island in Northern Norway. October, February and March are the best months for seeing the aurora borealis. Available in a variety of formats ranging from detailed technical predictions to simple information in laymen's terms. Cloudy skies are the main obstacles for observing the northern lights in Northern Norway. The northern lights are strongest when an active area on the sun’s surface faces Earth. Some considered the northern lights to be an omen of war or plague while others believed the lights were created by dead, old, unmarried women. I think your best Aurora Forecast is actually a good weather forecast to find areas with clear skies (look at the real-time maps on yr.no for instance). If the weather is good and the northern lights dance, we ensure that you do not miss the northern lights and get pictures if you wish. The Aurora forecast is in Universal Time (UTC), which is eight hours ahead of Alaska time. 30 minutes forecast for both the Northern and the Southern Lights and live solar wind data right at your fingertips. Boost your chances of experiencing the northern lights phenomenon! Wikipedia / Nasjonalt senter for romrelatert opplæring / Tromsø Geofysiske Observatorium / Nordnorsk vitensenter / Sareptea / Store norske leksikon / Fotografiskolen / Photo Alta: Trond Anton Andersen / Photo Andøya: Gaute Bruvik / Photo Bodø: Roger Johansen / Photo Harstad: Frank Andreassen / Photo Kirkenes: Gaute Bruvik / Photo Narvik: Gaute Bruvik / Photo Tromsø: Bjørn Jørgensen / Photo Lakselv: Terje Rakke / Photo Lofoten: Stockshots / Photo off season: Bjarne Riesto / Photo generic image for all other cities in Norway: Terje Rakke, Space Weather Prediction Center / National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration / US Department of Commerce / Metorologisk institutt, In order to deliver a better experience to you, we use these services which may use cookies: Google Analytics, Google Maps The weather is therefore the most significant obstacle to seeing the northern lights. The Northern Lights can produce a spectacular light show sometimes seen as far south as Scotland and Northern England/Ireland - if skies are clear. Remember to fully charge the battery and bring extras if you have them. We noticed at the same time practically every other aurora forecast websites (the top 5 in google!) You can either watch live in HD ad free or get directions to the show. These predictions are updated weekly by the NOAA SWPC. The northern lights are a physical phenomenon that occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun hurtle towards the Earth. This means midnight universal time is 4 p.m. Alaska time. if(image.data("query") == ''){ Every eleven years or so it beats, and it beats hard. Place the code for the forecast wherever you want the forecast to appear on your page. To forecast Northern Lights in Norway, the best prediction site is the Norwegian Center for Space Weather (NOSWE). So, time your trip between December and March and plan to watch the sky between 10 pm and 2 am. The darker the background, the more magnificent the aurora lights will be. The Aurora forecast is provided using the SvalTrackII software developed by Prof. Fred Sigernes at the University Centre in Svalbard operated Kjell Henriksen Observatory. } Historically, the chances of seeing the northern lights are best viewed in Northern Norway between October and March, because the polar night makes them easier to see. This site is the bible for Northern Lights in Norway, where you'll. }else{ Spectacular displays of the northern lights thus occur at roughly 27-day intervals, the time it takes the sun to rotate once. This is determined by the gases with which the particles from the sun collide. Northern Norway also offers a number of other activities that, combined with the northern lights, can make your trip truly unique. Aurora model and live solar wind data comes from NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Space Weather Prediction Center. Combined with the Cloud Forecast, it will give you clues on where the Northern Lights are likely to be seen. Note: In order … } A high KP value does not necessarily mean that the northern lights will be visible to the naked eye. Details about the service are also published in Journal for Space Weather and Space Climate, and can be downloaded here. Live! Space Weather Prediction Center. The size and number of clouds indicates how cloudy the sky is. The full moon may have the same effect, but may actually help you if you plan to take pictures, in that it may light up the foreground and surroundings and make it easier to focus and get a sharp image. Comments: No significant geomagnetic activity expected. The recommendation: GO, TRY, WAIT is a combination of the northern light activity and how cloudy the sky is. Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands – KP 1.8. Alaska Satellite. Use the slider at the bottom of the graphic to adjust the date and time of the forecast. The lens should be in manual focus mode and set to infinity. Information about the service is found here. This product is based on the OVATION model and provides a 30 to 90 minute forecast of the location and intensity of the aurora. The interface of the app is slick, yet simple, which sought to provide nature-loving explorers guidelines in regards to when to go, where to go and how to get there. if(document.hasFocus()){ Weather permitting, northern lights displays could be visible directly overhead in many northern communities and visible to the North from slightly lower northern latitudes. In practice, in northern Norway, Iceland, Greenland & Finland, you need to plan your Northern Lights tour between the period starting at the beginning of September and extending until the middle of April. Also, the northern lights are above the highest clouds, which means that we need a clear sky to be able to see them. The Auroral Forecast is also available as mobile phone app available through Windows Phone Store, Apple App Store and Google Play. Geo Phys Institute All-sky cam, Poker Flat Chatanika, Alaska. image = jQuery('img#image_autorefresh_z3Km8w7dgH'); The northern lights are influenced by activity on the sun, and strong solar winds increase and intensify the northern lights. The G scale indicates the strength of the storm. Aurora Webcams ALASKA, USA ABN All-sky cam, (Amy’s cam) North Pole, Alaska also seen on Windy.com Kick Ax All-sky cam, (Kathy’s cam) Wasilla, Alaska. Articles Read weekly and relevant articles about the Northern Lights and the night sky, as well as recent updates from locations. It gives you an indication of how good the experience is expected to be. National Weather Service. Use a long shutter speed, for example 30 seconds or more. Chinese texts from 2000 BC also describe what may be the northern lights. This site is the bible for Northern Lights in Norway, where you’ll find: d = new Date(); This, in turn, is determined by the altitude at which the collision takes place in the atmosphere. Where can you see the northern lights? Hourly Forecast. Short … When can you see the northern lights? The KP index is a scale that indicates the strength of the northern lights and can be used to predict how far south the northern lights are visible. The Forecast has also pointed out 3 hotspots which are ideal for seeing the lights. Visit Norway, the official travel guide to Norway, gives you a user-friendly northern lights forecast app with an overview of places known as “northern light cities” in Norway. The app’s icons are based on two factors; northern light activity and clouds. The visible northern lights are from 90 to approximately 150 kilometres above the Earth's surface, and the colours can be categorised roughly as follows: How often can you see the northern lights? AlaskaAuroracam.com The Aurora Chasers (Ronn’s cam) Fairbanks, Alaska. Northern Lights forecast Norway. Experience shows that the northern lights shine most often and strongest a few hours before and after midnight. Built with a sleek dark design, it appeals to both tourists and serious aurora watchers by telling you what you want to know. When the activity is lower, the color fades. What's the probability of seeing the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights tonight? Solar X-rays Geomagnetic Field. Northern Norway during the polar night is therefore your best bet for experiencing the northern lights. Historical View of the sun spotsFor 400 years, from the time of Galileo until now, we have been keeping track of the number of these sunspots and, a… 120 km - 150 kilometres: Yellow-green light, Less than 120 kilometres: Blue-purple light. Example: With a Kp 0; you can observe an aurora in Tromso in Norway, with a Kp 5; you can see the aurora all the way to Edinburg in Scotland, and with a Kp9 (the maximum that is possible), you can view an aurora all the way to Marseille in France. Dressing warm is also important; there could be a lot of waiting around. + d.getTime()); }, 60000); (updates every 2 minutes during night, turned OFF in interval UT 05-16, time is given in UT, Local Time is UT + 1/2 winter/summer), Responsible editor: Magnar Gullikstad Johnsen, © 2021 Norwegian Centre for Space Weather (NOSWE), Powered by Pinboard Theme by One Designs and WordPress, Norwegian Centre for Space Weather (NOSWE), Near Real-time Auroral Electrojet Tracker, Near Real-time Ionospheric Disturbances of GNSS. This is the fastest way to quickly find out what kind of geomagnetic conditions are to be expected over the next 27 days. The tool works in close to real time, so it doesn’t show anything in the summer months. Between late September and late March, Northern Norway is dark from early afternoon until late morning, and the northern lights frequently soar across the sky. Summer sees too many long days and not enough dark hours tourists and serious Aurora by. 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Chance of stable winter Weather inland and in the summer months will be 30 forecast!, Alas Loading data and initializing the application help you forecast if the Aurora Space Weather ( )... Published in Journal for Space Weather ( NOSWE ) model and live solar wind data right at your fingertips Weather! Preferably of f/2.8 or better application lets you easily plan to see the northern lights in the inner reaches the... A connection was gradually discovered between the northern lights, can make your trip truly unique Scotland and England/Ireland! Same time practically every other Aurora forecast is in Universal time ( UTC ), Fairbanks, Alaska New!! On their shaman drums | Photography of other activities that, combined the!