chance of seeing northern lights tonight

As auroras are most often seen on the northern sky, try to find an unrestricted view at least toward the northern horizon. Tips for aurora watchingįind a dark, open place preferably far away from town lights. Nighttime, the service also displays images from selected all sky cameras in Finland. Following the magnetic activity serves as nowcasting: when activity reaches a 'red' level in the service on the station closest to you, it is time to go out to watch the sky. Geomagnetic activity is closely linked with auroras: when the activity level exceeds a location-specific threshold, it is probable to see auroras (weather permitting). ISES RWC Finland provides real-time information on the level of geomagnetic disturbances in Finland. In Lapland auroras are quite common always, even during solar minimum. This solar cycle effect is most pronounced in Southern Finland. The previous sunspot maximum was in 2014, so the winters of 2015–2017 are excellent time for auroras. The amount of large auroral displays tends to follow the amount of sunspots with a lag of a couple of years. The solar activity, which varies with the 11-year sunspot cycle, also affects the frequency of auroras. Considering also the weather, the best time for seeing auroras in Northern Finland is in March and early April. Especially so in Lapland, where the sun does not set at all during a period around midsummer. However, in summer the nights are generally too light for seeing the auroras. However, auroras may occur randomly anytime when the sky is dark enough for seeing them.Īuroras occur quite evenly throughout the year, although the rate is slightly higher during spring and autumn than during winter and summer. The typical time for auroral displays is at midnight, and a couple of hours before and after. Helsinki, Turku): once in a month on average. ski resorts Ylläs, Levi, Saariselkä): roughly 50 % of nights The statistical probability for seeing auroras during a dark and cloudless night is approximately: During geomagnetic storms the auroral oval expands southward and then auroras are seen also in Central and Southern Finland. The probability for seeing auroras is best in the northernmost part of the country, i.e. Where?įinland is on the southern rim of the auroral oval. Finland is one of the best inhabited regions in the world for viewing northern lights, i.e.

Chance of seeing northern lights tonight