Chasing Tips

Even with a good aurora index, conditions change fast. If the sky is clear, go out and look — sometimes the aurora appears with little warning.

In Iceland, a Kp index of 3–4 already gives a decent chance outside Reykjavík. Kp 5+ means bright, visible auroras across most of the country.

No matter how high the index, clouds will block the view. Always check a local cloud map before heading out.

A bright moon can wash out faint auroras. The best nights are near a new moon or when the moon is low on the horizon.

Light pollution kills the view. Drive 20–30 minutes outside Reykjavík — spots like Thingvellir or Grotta Lighthouse are excellent.

Auroras usually form in the northern part of the sky, but during strong storms they can appear overhead or even to the south.

This is the "aurora prime time." However, they can appear anytime it's dark — especially during geomagnetic storms.

ISO: 800–3200, Shutter: 5–20s, Aperture: f/2.8–f/4. Focus manually on a star. Your phone's "Night" mode works too!

Auroras can appear suddenly and last just minutes. Stay at least an hour outside — patience often pays off.

When Bz goes negative (southward), the aurora can ignite even with low Kp. A negative Bz is a strong positive sign.

Check NOAA, cloud cover maps, and your own Aurora Index. But don't overthink — nature still surprises.

The Sun has an 11-year cycle. 2024–2026 is near solar maximum — meaning this is prime aurora season.

Sometimes the aurora starts as a grayish glow before brightening into green. If you notice odd glowing clouds — that's probably it!

Icelandic roads can be icy and dark. Keep extra gas, snacks, and a charged phone. Safety first — magic second.

Thingvellir National Park. Grotta Lighthouse. Kleifarvatn Lake. Hvalfjörður fjord. and Seltjarnarnes coastline are favorites.

Even on "low activity" nights, you can still see a show. The aurora doesn't follow our rules.

Bring thermos, friends, and music. It's not just about the photo — it's about the feeling.

Take continuous photos every few seconds and compile them later. Watching auroras dance in fast motion is unforgettable.

Follow local Facebook or Telegram groups like Aurora Reykjavík — chasers often post live sightings so you know where to head.

Even experts miss them sometimes. If you're out on a clear, dark night with an active Sun, you've done everything right.