NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS IN ICELAND

Northern Lights forecast expects increased visibility across Iceland
Increased Northern Lights activity is expected over the next coming months across Iceland, according to the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. As stated on its website, the Northern Lights forecast predicts that Iceland will be amongst the highest in active aurora forms, meaning an increase in the breathtaking light shows. The Geophysical Institute recommends that the best time to view the aurora is near local midnight as this is when the most active forms occur. Aurora activity tends to come in waves during evenings, which are called aurora sub storms. However, the institute also insists that during an active period, there will be lulls in which the aurora activity is subdued; however, the patient observer will often see a new burst of activity within an hour or two. Many people believe that the Northern Lights are one of the most incredible sights that mother-nature can conjure; especially within the unique alien landscape of Iceland.

Due to Iceland’s perfect location, just below the Arctic Circle, and the leading travel guide, Lonely Planet, labelling Iceland as the number one money-saving vacation in Northern Europe for 2010 – Iceland is certainly this winter’s ideal Northern Lights sight-seeing destination. The Northern Lights are unquestionably one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles in the world. The natural light displays of the Aurora Borealis occur most frequently in the Polar Regions, centred within a 2500 km radius of the geomagnetic pole. The amount of sunspots on the sun’s surface is the main cause for the appearance of the Northern Lights with these sunspots following an 11-year cycle, which is set to peak between 2011 and 2012. The strength of the Aurora is based on the number of occurring sunspots as well as clear visibility and scientists agree that the conditions for viewing the Northern Lights in 2010 are incredibly good, making this winter the perfect time to visit Iceland.

• Read here the Insiders' guide to Northern Lights by the Guardian
• Information and video about Northern Lights in Iceland
• See Northern Lights Forecast here
• Book Northern Lights Evening Tour from Reykjavik here
• See the Best Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland here