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The science behind the aurora - what causes the Northern Lights?

If you’ve ever wanted to see the Northern Lights, then you might also be interested to learn why they occur. In this article, let’s take a look at the science behind the aurora and find out what causes this captivating celestial phenomenon.

Grindavík to reopen

Top 5 Northern Lights viewing mistakes and how to avoid them

While many people come to Iceland during the colder months in the hope of seeing the Northern Lights, some leave disappointed. The aurora borealis is as unpredictable as it is wonderful and to see it requires not only careful planning but a lot of luck too. However, you can improve your chances of witnessing this extraordinary natural phenomenon during your Iceland trip by trying to avoiding these common mistakes.

The colours of the Northern Lights

We’re currently close to the solar maximum, which means the aurora borealis has been putting on some fantastic displays. If you’ve seen pictures of the Northern Lights in the newspapers or on social media, while they are always extraordinary, you may have noticed that the displays aren’t always the same colour. Let’s take a look at what colours you can expect to see if the aurora makes an appearance and explore the significance of those different hues.

Why 2024/2025 is the best year to see the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights can be tricky to track down. A number of factors have an influence on whether or not you’ll be lucky enough to see the aurora borealis during your visit to Iceland and even then, there are no guarantees. But the odds are more favourable over the coming season than they have been for some years. In this article, we’ll explain about solar cycles, sunspots and the solar maximum – and explore how they relate to your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights.

How does climate change impact the Northern Lights?

As the 21st century progresses, climate change increasingly dominates the news headlines. The impacts of rising global temperatures are felt all across the Arctic region and even though much of the country sits below the Arctic Circle, they haven’t escaped Iceland. Glaciers are retreating at a concerning rate and other effects such as changing weather patterns are also starting to be felt. But how does climate change relate to the Northern Lights? Let’s take a look and find out.

Why is the Reykjanes Peninsula a top destination to see the Northern Lights?

Iceland’s a great place to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, and within it, the Reykjanes peninsula is one of its top destinations for seeing the Northern Lights. To have any chance of success, certain conditions need to be met. For instance, you’ll benefit from a strong aurora forecast, coupled with clear skies free of cloud. But you’ll also find it much easier to spot them when they do show up if the place you’re standing is dark – such as in many places across Reykjanes. Let’s take a look at why the peninsula is so well suited to an aurora hunt.

Reykjanes listed on IUGS top 100 geological sites

At the International Geological Conference held in Busan, South Korea between August 25 - 31, a new list of one hundred geological sites on the planet was presented, including two sites in Iceland, Reykjanes and Vatnajökull.

The eruption is over for now

There is currently no ongoing eruption. The eruption that began in Reykjanes on the evening of August 22 ended on the 6th of September. This eruption was the 9th one since the eruptions began in March 2021, and the 6th one in the current location. The eruption area is closed to visitors. Follow any updated news here.

How to dress for a Northern Lights expedition in Iceland

It’s often said, but that doesn’t make it any less true: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. And although you won’t want rain, sleet or snow ruining your chances of seeing the aurora borealis, there’s a good chance that if the hunt is on, you’ll have to contend with cold temperatures and gusty winds. So let’s take a look at how to dress for a Northern Lights expedition in Iceland so you can give your full concentration to what’s going on in the sky rather than the distraction of numb feet, frozen fingers or a cold nose.

How to prepare for a Northern Lights tour in Iceland

There are a number of things you can do in preparation for a Northern Lights tour in Iceland. Some of these are best arranged before you arrive in the country while others can be done once you’re already here. In this article, we’ll walk you through what to think about and what to do so that you maximise your chances of seeing this truly awesome natural phenomenon with your own eyes. Here’s your handy checklist.

How does light pollution impact seeing the Northern Lights?

If you’ve been reading up about the Northern Lights and seeking tips about how to improve your chances of seeing them during your trip to Iceland, chances are you’ve seen something about darkness. In this article, we will explore why it’s a common topic and why it’s relevant to your preparations.