What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are natural light displays caused by solar wind particles colliding with Earth's upper atmosphere at the poles. They appear as dancing green, pink, and purple curtains of light.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
September to March offers the best aurora viewing in Iceland. The darkest nights are in November–January. You need it to be dark (after 22:00) and clear skies.
What KP index do I need to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
Iceland sits at high latitude so KP 2-3 is enough for faint aurora. KP 4+ gives clear visible aurora. KP 5+ is a geomagnetic storm with dramatic displays.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Reykjavík?
Yes, but light pollution reduces visibility. Drive 20-30 minutes outside the city for much better views. The Reykjanes peninsula and Þingvellir are popular nearby spots.
How do I photograph the Northern Lights?
Use a wide-angle lens, ISO 800-3200, aperture f/2.8 or wider, and a 5-15 second exposure. Use a tripod and remote shutter release. Turn off flash.
What should I wear to see the Northern Lights?
Dress in thermal layers. Temperatures can drop to -10°C or below. Waterproof outer layer, thermal base layer, gloves, hat and warm boots are essential.
Are Northern Lights tours worth it?
Yes — tour guides know the best dark spots and have experience reading forecasts. They also provide warm clothing and transportation. Most tours have a free repeat if no aurora is seen.
Is AuroraVision free to use?
Yes, the website and app are free. The app offers premium features like push notifications when aurora becomes visible and extended forecasts.
How accurate is the aurora forecast?
The forecast uses real-time data from NOAA's space weather center, updated every 2 minutes. Short-term (3-hour) forecasts are quite accurate. Beyond 24 hours accuracy decreases.
What causes the different colors in the aurora?
Different atmospheric gases glow different colors. Oxygen at high altitude glows red, oxygen at lower altitude glows green (most common). Nitrogen glows blue and purple.
Can I see aurora in summer in Iceland?
No — Iceland has midnight sun from May to August. The sky never gets dark enough. Aurora season runs September to April.
What is the difference between KP index and aurora visibility score?
KP measures global geomagnetic activity. The AuroraVision visibility score combines KP with local cloud cover, solar wind data and magnetic field orientation for a more accurate local prediction.