CP index of seven after strong solar storm – warns Northern Lights all over Norway and down towards Denmark – NRK Nordland
Everyone who wants to see the Northern Lights, or a picture of the Northern Lights, is talking about The KP index.
Tomorrow, seven are forecast on this index – which goes from zero to nine.
This means that everyone in Norway can be lucky to experience the natural phenomenon.
– Keep track of apps, the KP index and dress well. If we are lucky, it will happen in the evening or at night Norwegian time tomorrow, says Pål Brekke, solar researcher at the Norwegian Space Center.
Out of the big city
The researcher explains that a powerful explosion yesterday, on the sun, leads to the powerful activity.
I go, GPS and radio communication were affected by the X-rays. The explosion sent out a gas cloud that will hit the magnetic field and lead to the northern lights, he explains.
He goes on to say that the time frame the Northern Lights appear in the sky can be very short. This means that you should plan well.
Meike Kathrin Zylmann is the Northern Lights guide for Stella Polaris in Bodø.
She says the most important thing is to get out of town.
– You must get out in a dark place that has less light pollution. In addition, one must remember that the eyes spend half an hour getting used to the darkness – and get proper night vision.
– That’s why it’s important to plan well and go out early. Dress well and get out of the big city.
Have you seen the Northern Lights before?
Patience
The guide is supported by Northern Lights photographer Bjørn Heitmann. He has been taking pictures for seven or eight years – and says the northern lights are unique every time.
– It will never be the same from time to time. I have taken many thousands of northern lights photos, and none of them are like, he says, adding:
– The best picture has not been taken yet.
– Where are your best tips for those who want to see the Northern Lights tomorrow?
– It’s a test of patience. It is also stagnant. You have to stand still for a long time. That is why it is important to stay well.
If you need to take pictures of the northern lights, it is also part of should be kept in mind, says Heitmann:
- A good camera.
- Check what settings you should be able to.
- Headlamp.
- Tripod.
– Sometimes I stand for five or six hours, says Heitmann and laughs.
– How often do you experience KP index of seven?
– It’s not often. Rarely does it get that loud. In the north, it will probably be absolutely fantastic, Heitmann answers and adds:
– But those in the south should follow tomorrow. If the weather is clear, they should find a dark place and look towards the sky in a northerly direction.