Shetland Textile Museum : 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 28 April 2025 at 10:46am UTC)

Kp 0.67

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 -1 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 3.54 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 390.2 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.

Rain

10°C Feels like 9°C

High: 11°C
Low: 9°C

Precipitation: 100%
Cloud cover: 98%
Wind: 12 km/h
Rain: 1mm

Moon

Waxing crescent

Sun rises at: 5:09am
Sun sets at: 8:54pm
Moon rises at: 4:47am
Moon sets at: 11:12pm

Book an amazing adventure in Lerwick

Free cancellation Private tour

Half Day Private Tour with Puffins, Ponies and Past Shetland

5.0 (22)

4 hours 30 minutes From £680.00

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 Private tour

Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick

5.0 (21)

6 hours 30 minutes From £364.80

Lerwick is the main town and port of the Shetland Islands. On our first stop we will visit the incredible Clickimin Broch. After seeing this remarkable site, we will drive back to the centre and spend some time visiting some of the main attractions in this amazing village: Fort Charlotte- Hay´s Dock is a beautifully restored historic dock. Visit the Shetland Museum and Archives where the galleries are split into different zones. Enjoy the picturesquely grouped house and stores built on lodberry. Enjoy the views over Victoria Pier. You will visit the Scalloway area, until 1708 it was the capital of Shetland Island but now it is a fishing port, really worth a visit, on your way to Scalloway you can have a quick look some famous ponies of Shetland PLEASE NOTE: Walking is involved MISSING YOU ALREADY!!
Free cancellation Private tour

Private Half Day Sights of Shetland Mystery Tour

No reviews

4 hours From £490.00

Join us for a private tour taking in the best Shetland has to offer. Leave the planning to us for the day, whilst you relax and admire the views whilst learning more about our island home from your local driver.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Shetland Pony Express

No reviews

1 - 3 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

Full Day Private Tour to Yell and Unst Northernmost Britain

No reviews

10 hours From £1300.00

Join us for a fascinating exploration of Britain's most northerly islands- Yell & Unst. Far closer to Oslo than London, the islands' strong ties with Norway are immediately visible through centuries of Viking history. You'll see beautiful beaches, unspoilt scenery where sheep outnumber people 10 to 1, dramatic castles and experience intriguing Viking heritage whilst hearing tales from your knowledgeable local guide. Please note- tour duration is subject to change in the event of disruption to inter-island ferries. For this reason, we do not recommend this tour as a shore excursion for cruise ship passengers and are unable to guarantee an on time return.
Free cancellation

Bressay Explorer Crofting and Island Life Tour

No reviews

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.