A project by John TibellNorrskensprognosWill you see the northern lights tonight, where you live?
Tonight's chance, town by town across Sweden, in one word. It weighs three things that all have to be right at once: the sun, the darkness and the clouds. Free, always: on the web, and now as an app for Android and iPhone.
How far south do they reach tonight?
Three things decide it, and all three have to be right.
The northern lights are driven by the sun. Its activity is measured on a scale from 0 to 9. The higher the number, the further south they reach.
In summer the nights in the north are too light. Then the chance is zero, however active the sun is.
However strong the northern lights are, they don't help if the sky is covered.
When, where, and a nudge
- Hour by hourWhen tonight the chance is best, and the next three nights after it.
- The mapThe line the northern lights reach tonight, drawn across the country.
- Right nowWhat the sun is doing this minute, in one plain sentence about what it means for tonight.
- Where to stand286 peaks, one in nearly every municipality, and 407 lakeshores with open water to the north. Chosen for darkness first, then a clear view north.
- Where I standThe chance for your exact point, not the nearest town. Your position is rounded to about a kilometre, used only for the sum, and never saved.
- Tell me when it happensA message on the evenings the chance is good where you live, and when the sky lights up for real. You can stop whenever you like.
- Seen tonightSaw them? Say so, and share a photo with everyone who missed it. Every photo is looked at before it shows, and the camera's position is removed.
- Planning a trip northAbisko, Kiruna and nine more places in English, and a rough look 27 days ahead.
Tonight, on your phone
Free, with no account. Google Play ↗ App Store ↗
Tonight's chance for the places you follow, and a note on the evenings it's worth going out. You can stop whenever you like.
A widget with tonight's chance, without opening the app.
The chance for your own spot. Your position is rounded to about a kilometre, used only for the sum, and never saved.
“A hint, not a guarantee.”
The northern lights are fickle. They can flare up when nobody expected it, and just as easily stay away. Dress warmly, and find a dark place with a clear view to the north.
