The last few nights we have been treated to a great aurora show as a geomagnetic storm has passed over the earth. Wednesday the storm peaked with a Aurora activity of 5-6, producing a truly spectacular show.
Read more: Photos of the magnificent aurora caused by yesterday's geomagnetic storm
But the storm is still going strong, and the Icelandic Meteorological Office is predicting a level 4 activity tonight, coupled with clear skies over most of Iceland, producing the perfect conditions for spotting the aurora. The city of Reykjavík will even pitch in, turning off all street lights in central Reykjavík tonight.
No light pollution between 20:30 and 21:15
The City and the University of Iceland are turning off lights around the university campus, and the City will turn off all street lights downtown between 20:30 and 21:15. The lights are being turned off to draw attention to the stars in the night sky and raise awareness and interest in stargazing. The Icelandic Astronomy Association has organized the event with the University Bookstore. Beginning at 20:00 astronomers will instruct the public on how to look for the stars in the night sky, offering people the opportunity to view the stars and the moon through telescopes.
But the sky holds more than just celestial objects: if we are lucky we might catch a glimpse of nature's most spectacular shows tonight as well: The Aurora.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office is predicting both a strong Aurora activity and mostly clear skies over Iceland. The sun sets at 18:53, and it will be dark at 19:41, and with clear skies and a strong Aurora activity (level 4, active) the chances of seeing the Aurora over Reykjavík while all street lights are turned off are pretty high!
Read more: Police stops foreign travellers driving under the influence of the Aurora
Remember that the Auroa is fickle, as it comes and goes, the colorful bands ebbing and flowing across the sky. Seeing the Aurora is therefore very much a question of luck: Being at the right place at the right time!
Be sure to dress warmly if you are heading into the night as it will be rather chilly around the country: This handy infographic is also a great resource for preparing for a night of Northern Lights hunting. And keep your eyes on the road, even if they might come on while you are still driving!
Read more: Police stops foreign travellers driving under the influence of the Aurora
The last few nights we have been treated to a great aurora show as a geomagnetic storm has passed over the earth. Wednesday the storm peaked with a Aurora activity of 5-6, producing a truly spectacular show.
Read more: Photos of the magnificent aurora caused by yesterday's geomagnetic storm
But the storm is still going strong, and the Icelandic Meteorological Office is predicting a level 4 activity tonight, coupled with clear skies over most of Iceland, producing the perfect conditions for spotting the aurora. The city of Reykjavík will even pitch in, turning off all street lights in central Reykjavík tonight.
No light pollution between 20:30 and 21:15
The City and the University of Iceland are turning off lights around the university campus, and the City will turn off all street lights downtown between 20:30 and 21:15. The lights are being turned off to draw attention to the stars in the night sky and raise awareness and interest in stargazing. The Icelandic Astronomy Association has organized the event with the University Bookstore. Beginning at 20:00 astronomers will instruct the public on how to look for the stars in the night sky, offering people the opportunity to view the stars and the moon through telescopes.
But the sky holds more than just celestial objects: if we are lucky we might catch a glimpse of nature's most spectacular shows tonight as well: The Aurora.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office is predicting both a strong Aurora activity and mostly clear skies over Iceland. The sun sets at 18:53, and it will be dark at 19:41, and with clear skies and a strong Aurora activity (level 4, active) the chances of seeing the Aurora over Reykjavík while all street lights are turned off are pretty high!
Read more: Police stops foreign travellers driving under the influence of the Aurora
Remember that the Auroa is fickle, as it comes and goes, the colorful bands ebbing and flowing across the sky. Seeing the Aurora is therefore very much a question of luck: Being at the right place at the right time!
Be sure to dress warmly if you are heading into the night as it will be rather chilly around the country: This handy infographic is also a great resource for preparing for a night of Northern Lights hunting. And keep your eyes on the road, even if they might come on while you are still driving!
Read more: Police stops foreign travellers driving under the influence of the Aurora
