The Dowry : 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
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Credit: Robert Witański
Credit: Don Lodge
Credit: Federica Bisso

Book an amazing adventure in Lerwick

Free cancellation Private tour

Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick

5.0 (21)

6 hours 30 minutes From £357.85

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

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

Private 4 Hour Family Fun Shore Excursion in Lerwick

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4 hours From £550.00

Take a break from the ordinary intensive sightseeing excursions and join us for a day in Shetland the whole family can enjoy. We'll meet Shetland Ponies and even some wallabies, visit one of the islands' most beautiful beaches and the largest woodland. We have snacks to keep you going throughout the trip and will end with an ice cream from a local café .
Free cancellation

Shetland Pony Express

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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

Private Half Day Sights of Shetland Mystery Tour

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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 Private tour

Private Tour from Lerwick West Side Explorer

5.0 (1)

4 hours From £725.00

Often overlooked by tourists, the west side of the Shetland Mainland (known as the Wastside locally) is a haven of unspoilt beauty. Never visited by large tour groups or shore excursions, join us to discover some of Shetland's most scenic spots. During your private guided tour, you'll pass through some of Shetland's most spectacular scenery, visit our most important Neolithic site- Stanydale Temple- and stop off at an authentic Cake Fridge.

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Currently there is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Lerwick area.

Kp 3.00

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 0.05 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, they produce the stunning light displays known as auroras.

Speed 558.1 km/s

The speed of the solar wind also plays a significant role. 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.