Locations
Where to chase tonight
Every place gets the same verdict: cloud forecast from MET Norway, geomagnetic activity from NOAA, adjusted for the moon and local darkness. Glowing dots on the map show tonight’s call for each European site.
Tromsø
—The aurora capital of the world, on an island you can reach by direct flight.
Alta
—Drier skies, deep winter, and the birthplace of aurora science.
Lofoten
—Jagged peaks and red fishing huts under a green sky.
Abisko
—A rain shadow beside a frozen lake, reputed to be one of the clearest places in Europe.
Rovaniemi
—On the Arctic Circle, with snow, huskies and glass igloos.
Reykjavík
—Aurora from a capital city, with lava fields and geothermal pools a short drive away.
Fairbanks
—Inland Alaska: cold, dry, and under the oval more nights than almost anywhere in North America.
Yellowknife
—Under the oval, with a reputation for clear, still nights.
New to this?
What is the Kp index?
The 0–9 number behind every aurora alert, and what it does and doesn’t tell you.
ExplainerWhat is MET Norway?
The weather service whose cloud forecast powers every verdict on this site.
GuideAurora in Norway
Where, when and how to see the northern lights across the Arctic north.