Jarlshof Prehistoric Site : Lerwick : Seek The Aurora

Lerwick

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Nestled in the stunning Shetland Islands, Lerwick is not just the capital of Shetland; it’s a gateway to one of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles: the Northern Lights. With its rugged coastline, charming harbor, and rich cultural heritage, Lerwick offers a unique backdrop for witnessing the aurora borealis.

The best time to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Lerwick is during the northern hemisphere winter, specifically from mid-October to mid-March.

Credit: Simon Hurry
Credit: Glenn Langhorst
Credit: ella peebles
Credit: Robert Witański
Credit: Don Lodge
Credit: Federica Bisso

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Lerwick area (forecast for 2 August 2025 at 3:57pm UTC)

Kp 1.33

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

Bz 0 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced auroral activity.

Density 2.23 p/cm³

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimeter (p/cm³).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm³.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 461.3 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Clear

15°C Feels like 14°C

High: 15°C
Low: 12°C

Precipitation: 0%
Cloud cover: 3%
Wind: 5 km/h

Moon

Waxing gibbous

Sun rises at: 4:46am
Sun sets at: 9:34pm
Moon rises at: 4:48pm
Moon sets at: 10:23pm

Book an amazing adventure in Lerwick

Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Shetland Pony Express

4.6 (33)

1 - 2 hours From £22.00

Make the most of your day in the beautiful Shetland Islands without breaking the bank! Hop aboard our Ponies Express and enjoy the views as we take you on a circular journey around Shetland's Central Mainland. Admire the views as we travel to Scalloway, the former capital of Shetland where you can visit the castle, museum or just stroll amongst the colourful houses. There are some fantastic shops and restaurants to visit here too! Next up, we pay a visit to some of the islands' most famous residents. Shetland Ponies originated right here in Shetland, but thanks to their huge appeal can now be found all over the world, being especially popular as riding ponies for children and a companion to horses. Carol, the stud owner, will explain in detail about these beautiful animals. Please remember that they have strong teeth and can nip so please do not feed the ponies! After a scenic drive through the Tingwall Valley we return to Lerwick.
Free cancellation Private tour

Half Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland

5.0 (34)

4 hours 30 minutes From £699.00

Join us for a private guided tour to Shetland's scenic south Mainland. Departing Lerwick we visit the island's former capital, Scalloway, before heading to Sumburgh at the southern tip of the islands. Here we visit the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof before concluding our tour with a visit to Sumburgh Head.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Bressay Explorer Crofting and Island Life Tour

5.0 (1)

4 hours From £79.00

The best way to experience true Shetland is to get out of town and see the rural communities which are backbone of island life. Join us as we cross Lerwick Harbour to the small island of Bressay (population c.350) where we're guided by an island resident who shows us the best of his island home. Experience life on a Shetland croft, meet the famous sheep and delve into Bressay's 6000 year history through the eyes of a qualified archaeologist.
Free cancellation Private tour

Cliffs and Rocks of the North

5.0 (2)

5 hours From £600.00

With three fault lines running through the isles, the Geology of Shetland is some of the most diverse in Europe and is the reason why Shetland currently holds UNESCO Geopark Status. We drive to the North West mainland of Shetland where the oldest rocks in Shetland, Lewisian Gneiss at 2.9 billion years old, can be found. On our way North we witness fantastic cliff scenery and sea stacks shaped by the full force of the Atlantic. We arrive at Shetland’s volcano – Eshaness – active 390 million years ago. After a short photo stop, we return South, taking in the view of Shetland’s highest point, the red granite of Ronas Hill, 450m high and 450 million years old. We stop at Tangwick Haa Museum, built in the late 17th century as the home of the laird and where you can browse the exhibits to learn more of the history of Northmavine and have an opportunity to browse some local crafts. We return South via Brae for lunch at Frankie’s Fish and Chip shop before heading back to Lerwick
Free cancellation

Shetland Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour from Lerwick

3.5 (27)

0 minutes From £16.50

See Shetland's beauty from the roadside with the opportunity to jump off at the places of interest which suit you most. With four departures every Sunday, you'll have the chance to spend the day how you want to. Be it soaking up the rays on Sound Beach, discovering history in Scalloway Museum, taking a hike on Burra or exploring the exposed Tingwall Valley, you choose where you want to hop off to make the most of your visit to Shetland.
Free cancellation Private tour

Ponies Express Private Tour to Scalloway

4.6 (5)

1 hour From £160.00

Travel to Scalloway the ancient capital where you will stop at Carol’s Ponies, you have a chance to meet, learn about and photograph these wonderful animals. Originating in Shetland the breed was a packing pony and are now found all over the world, used as popular riding ponies for children and a companion to horses. Carol the stud owner will explain all in her talk about these beautiful creatures, remember they have teeth and may assume fingers for carrots! So please do not feed the ponies.