Northern Lights Forecast this Weekend

If you’re looking for an unforgettable viewing experience, look no further than the northern lights. These mesmerizing natural phenomena are a sight to behold, and lucky for us, the forecast for viewing them this weekend is looking good.

In this post, we’ll explore what the northern lights are, why they occur, and most importantly, how you can best view them this weekend. So, grab a warm jacket and let’s dive in.

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display in the sky, mostly seen in high-latitude regions. The lights are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth’s magnetic field. The charged particles are mainly protons and electrons, which react with nitrogen and oxygen atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere to create the characteristic green, pink, and blue colors of the aurora.

Why Do The Northern Lights Occur?

The northern lights are caused by the impact of solar particles and magnetic fields on the Earth’s atmosphere. When charged particles from the sun reach Earth’s atmosphere, they collide with atoms and release energy in the form of light. The colors of the aurora depend on which atoms the charged particles collide with and the altitude at which they collide.

The Earth’s magnetic field protects us from the direct impact of these charged particles. However, they can still enter the Earth’s atmosphere near the magnetic poles, creating the northern and southern lights.

Where Can You View The Northern Lights?

The northern lights can be seen in areas with high latitude, which means that the best places to view them are near the North and South poles. This weekend, the best places to view the northern lights will be in areas with auroral activity forecasts of Kp 5 or greater.

Some of the best places to view the northern lights this weekend include Canada, Alaska, Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. However, if you’re unable to travel to one of these destinations, you can still view the northern lights from anywhere with clear skies, low pollution, and minimal light pollution.

When Is The Best Time To View The Northern Lights?

The best time to view the northern lights is during the winter months, when the nights are longer and the sky is darkest. However, during the summer months, the northern lights can still be visible in areas where the sun never sets, such as Alaska and Norway’s northernmost regions.

This weekend, viewing the northern lights will be possible from around 10 pm until 2 am. However, the best time to view them will be between midnight and early morning, as this is when they tend to be the brightest.

How to Photograph the Northern Lights

If you want to capture the northern lights on camera, you’ll need a camera with manual settings, a tripod, and a remote shutter release. You’ll also want to set your camera to a long exposure time, between 10 and 30 seconds, to allow enough light to enter the camera’s lens.

To avoid overexposure, you’ll need to play with your camera’s aperture and ISO settings until you find the right balance for the lighting conditions. You may also want to experiment with different lenses and filters to capture the aurora’s colors and movement.

Conclusion

If you’re lucky enough to live in or be able to travel to an area that’s forecasted for an aurora this weekend, don’t miss out on this captivating natural phenomenon. Make sure to check the auroral activity forecast to ensure that you have the best chance of seeing the northern lights. Whether you’re viewing them through your camera lens or with your naked eye, the northern lights are an unforgettable sight that you won’t want to miss.

An Insider’s Guide to Reykjavik: Experience the Northern Lights and More

If you’re planning a trip to Reykjavik this weekend to catch the northern lights, you’re in for a treat. But Reykjavik has much more to offer than just the aurora borealis. As an insider, I’m here to share some unique and lesser-known experiences and places that will make your trip to Reykjavik unforgettable.

Local Attractions:

While the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon are amazing experiences, there are some lesser-known attractions that you won’t find on many tour guides. Start your day at the Laugardalslaug swimming pool complex, frequented by the locals for its outdoor hot tubs, sauna, and steam rooms. Head to the settlement exhibition to learn about the Viking-Age history of Reykjavik. Take a stroll down the Old Harbour area, where you can watch the fishing boats come and go, and enjoy the vibrant street art.

Dining Spots:

Icelandic cuisine is not just about fish. Try some of the traditional dishes like hangikjöt (smoked lamb) and kleinur (a type of doughnut). Visit the Reykjavik Street Food and try their famous lobster soup. You can also check out The Coocoo’s Nest, a café known amongst locals (and tourists) as the best brunch spot in the city.

Cultural Experiences:

Visit the Harpa concert hall to see some of the most talented musicians and performers in the world. Get to know some Icelandic traditions by visiting the National Museum of Iceland. The city locals also celebrate the annual Reykjavik Pride every August that brings together residents and tourists to celebrate love, diversity, inclusion, and equality.

Local History:

One engaging and lesser-known story to know is about a Viking woman named Gudridur Thorbjornsdottir, who sailed to North America over 1000 years ago. Iceland has a great literary heritage, so a visit to the Reykjavik City Library and the Icelandic Saga Museum is definitely worth it.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions:

To get a taste of the Icelandic wilderness, head over to Heidmörk Nature Reserve, where you can hike through scenic trails and see rare species of vegetation and Icelandic nature. Step out of your comfort zone and try horse riding at the Gljásteinn Farm, which has been owned by the same family for over 150 years. You will experience the incredible volcanic landscape of Iceland on horseback, which is a truly unique experience.

In conclusion, Reykjavik has so much to offer to its visitors. With its hidden gems, unique cuisine, vibrant culture, fascinating history, and unforgettable experiences, a trip to Reykjavik is definitely a must-visit. Come experience the northern lights forecast this weekend, but also take some time to immerse yourself in the city’s culture and bond with some of its warm-hearted locals. You will not be disappointed.