Northern lights in Andenes tonight

The Andenes lighthouse sits at the northern tip of Andøya, one of the northernmost points in the Vesterålen archipelago. From the headland, the horizon is open to the north and northeast over the Polar Sea. Bortle Class 2. The lighthouse is operational and has some working light, but the positions on the rock platform to the northwest are away from direct glare. At Kp 1-2, aurora arcs appear above the dark northern horizon from the headland. The lighthouse red-and-white striped tower provides a foreground element for photography. In winter the rocks can be icy - appropriate footwear is needed.

Bleik is a small village with one of the most distinctive beaches in Norway - a broad arc of white sand facing west over the open Norwegian Sea, backed by the Bleiksøya bird stack visible offshore. Bortle Class 1-2 from the beach. The western horizon is unobstructed and the beach faces the direction from which Atlantic weather approaches, meaning it can be exposed in unsettled conditions. On clear nights it is one of the darkest accessible positions on Andøya. The village has minimal lighting and the beach itself is unlit. A practical dark sky position for those based in Andenes - a short drive that gives significantly better sky than the town.

The Nøss headland is a coastal position northwest of Andenes with open sea views to the north and west. Bortle Class 2. The headland is accessible via a coast path from the lighthouse area and gives a position away from any lighthouse glare. The northern horizon faces directly over the Polar Sea. At Kp 1-2, aurora appears above the open water to the north. The walk along the coast path requires a headtorch and care in wet or icy conditions. A useful alternative for those who want distance from the lighthouse lights while staying within walking range of Andenes.