Longyearbyen glacier : Longyearbyen : Seek The Aurora

Longyearbyen

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Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth? Longyearbyen, the most northerly settlement in the world with a population over 1,000 people, is a spectacular destination that offers an extraordinary chance to witness the awe-inspiring northern lights. Nestled in the heart of the Svalbard archipelago, this charming town is surrounded by stunning mountains and vast arctic landscapes, making it the perfect base for your northern lights expedition.

Positioned well above the Arctic Circle, The Northern Lights season in Svalbard runs from late September until mid-March and the best time to view the auroras is typically between 6pm and midnight, while there is also a good period between 4am and 8am. For optimal viewing conditions, consider visiting during the Polar Night (from late November to mid-February), when the region experiences 24 hours of darkness, enhancing the visibility of the lights. In December and January, it’s even possible to see the Northern Lights around the clock – even in the middle of the day.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

5%

There is a 5% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Longyearbyen area (forecast for 2 August 2025 at 9:20am UTC)

Kp 2.00

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 0.83 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 445.0 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.

Clouds

9°C Feels like 6°C

High: 9°C
Low: 7°C

Precipitation: 0%
Cloud cover: 80%
Wind: 4 km/h

Moon

Waxing gibbous

Sun rises at: N/A
Sun sets at: N/A

Book an amazing adventure in Longyearbyen

Free cancellation Private tour

Svalbard Discover the Mining Settlement of Pyramiden

5.0 (1)

8 hours From £845.22

What makes this tour unique is that it's catered to photographers and adventurers in that your private guide is more than just a tour guide – they’re a certified photographer and able to, apart from just showing you the sights, help you compose the perfect photograph in terms of composition, aperture, what lense to use and so forth. Add to that your certified photographer Photo Exploring guide will be together with you the whole day.
Free cancellation Private tour

From Longyearbyen photo tour: Mysterious Barentsburg

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10 hours From £845.22

What makes this tour unique is that it's catered to photographers and adventurers in that your private guide is more than just a tour guide – they’re a certified photographer and able to, apart from just showing you the sights, help you compose the perfect photograph in terms of composition, aperture, what lense to use and so forth. Add to that your certified photographer Photo Exploring guide will be together with you the whole day.
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Explore the Legendary Town of Longyearbyen

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3 hours From £217.98

You’ll be picked up at your hotel by a local, experienced guide that will show you not only this fascinating town, but some of their favorite photography motifs as well. You’ll get intimate knowledge of off-the-beaten-path vistas and wind up with an unparalleled experience offered by no other services - in that ours is not just a tour of the city, but a tour based on photography.
Free cancellation

One-day tour to Pyramiden by open boat

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8 - 10 hours From £286.09

This is more than just a boat trip — it's a full Arctic adventure combining dramatic landscapes, a Soviet ghost town, and a taste of life at the edge of the world. Your day begins with hotel pick-up in Longyearbyen and a safety briefing before suiting up in a warm, protective drysuit. Then you’ll board a high-speed open RIB boat and cruise through scenic fjords, with a stop at Skansbukta to admire Svalbard’s iconic cliffs. Around lunchtime, you’ll arrive in Pyramiden, where a hot meal awaits in the Soviet-style canteen. Then enjoy an extended guided tour of the settlement — exploring both famous landmarks and hidden corners. On the way back, you’ll pass the majestic Nordenskiöld Glacier, one of the island’s most impressive. With small groups, passionate guides, and a full-day program, this tour offers a rare mix of nature, history, and Arctic adventure.