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Jessý Potato

@markdownhandsup.bsky.social
6.8K followers 155 following 2.2K posts

The Girl with the Star Wars Tattoo. Recovering geoscientist. 56 countries. I have opinions & adventures. Reykjavík. KC born; SG bred. Founder: www.sidequesticeland.com

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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Kp7 (G3) geomagnetic storm conditions have been reached. If you're in high- or mid-latitudes in Europe, you should keep an eye on the sky! It won't be as dramatic as the famous October 10-11, 1024 storm (pictured below) but this could be beautiful nonetheless. #aurora #northernlights
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Are you in the mid-latitudes in the US, wondering what to look for? Potential arrival time: 8-11 pm CDT tonight. You're looking for pillars of red/pink on the north horizon. Why? Well, the highest lights in a pillar of aurora are reds and given the curvature of the earth, that's what you can see.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
A G2 geomagnetic storm warming has been issued for this evening, with models putting #northernlights arrival time ideal for North America. 1:00-4:00 GMT with ± 7 hrs for impact arrival tomorrow morning (tonight for places west of here in Iceland). Time zones are hard. But #aurora hunting is fun!
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
In absolutely wild Gary the Maine Coon news (yeah I know it's not #caturday): my cat does not like human food, utterly uninterested in chicken, bacon, cheese, etc.; but he is OBSESSED with Candy Corn. He comes running when he hears the bag, watches me eat a handful, begs and paws for an offering.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Loksins! (finally!) A cloud-free evening in Reykjavik. Which means? Northern lights! Luckily the terrestrial weather cooperated so we could enjoy some space weather. It's been weeks... #aurora #northernlights #iceland
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
We just hit G2 geomagnetic storm conditions and the forecast for northern lights this evening has been improved to Kp6 levels. We have thick clouds here in Iceland, but was able to see massive bright green lights in between clouds in webcams. Keep your eyes to the sky, Europe & N. America! #aurora
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
It's been a seismically active day here in Iceland, including an M3.4 that was felt overnight in the Reykjavík metro area. It's a reminder that our earthquakes are not always volcanic in nature and could be tectonic, relating to the continental rift and local faults.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) studies how Earth's magnetic field responds to solar wind and space weather. It's a collaboration between the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Science. It's the first tool in space that can capture 45 hours straight of UV.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
In exciting Northern Lights news (since it's been oh-so rainy here all month in Iceland): the SMILE UVI (ultraviolet imager) captured its first images in July, and the ESA has just released these astounding shots of an aurora substorm ringing the north pole DURING midnight sun season.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Our Lava of the Day™️ is this almost Prince Rupert's Drop esque volcanic glass drop that formed during the formation of a small lava tube in a lava channel. Nail polish is Nailberry Cosmic.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
My Lava of the Day™️ (#lotd perhaps?) is this tachylite volcanic glass fold that has a Pele's Hair stuck to its rump, just like a little lava stingray. Pretty proud of this piece!
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
It's #caturday again already? Look at this little monster! No blanket-covered foot is safe when when he's lurking about. Lethal force against bipedal terrorism is his only stance.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A little lava to soothe my soul!
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
My cat and I have matching chairs that we sit in together like an old married couple 😹 although Gary is all child. Happy #caturday, all!
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
They wouldn't even turn the bar screens off when the bar wasn't in use and aurora overhead. Also (must be careful w/what I say): I had friends who worked here, and all these women have since quit. IYKYK. Rating: 6.9/10 Good for groups, great location for Golden Circle visits. Wish it had more.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
While I do like that there's now a higher-end option in the Golden Circle, there are some drawbacks. Between the lagoon and the river feels very unfinished and dug-up. Is something going in there? Also, at night, the swim-up bars have the brightest lights. The night sky is completely obscured.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The restaurant is headed by a Michelin-starred chef and is yummy. But oh-so expensive. There are two huge swim-up bars in the lagoon. But that's it. No other extras, unique offerings, or gimmicks. Price for basic package is more than the new Reykjaböð but cheaper than older market player Hvammsvík.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This lagoon is a multi-level lagoon overlooking the Hvítá (White River). The view of the river's bridge is lovely from afar. The architecture of the main building is stunning. And the lagoon has a huge, fun waterfall and lots of nooks and secluded seating areas. There is a sauna and cold plunge.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Our second lagoon review is the year-old Laugarás Lagoon. I have gone a few times, and I now include this lagoon as a meal stop option for my Golden Circle Geology tour guests. I have mixed feelings about this lagoon. At first, I really liked it, and I still recommend it. But I have reservations.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Eruptive episodes had become shorter in duration but closer together in time as the system evolved (a psuedo pattern seen in some fissure systems here in Iceland too). But this new activity elsewhere in Halemaʻumaʻu crater begins a new chapter in this long-lived episode of this volcano's story.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Let's do an update on Kīlauea because new developments are quite interesting: As eruptive episode 54 was winding down, new vents and lava flows began north of the main active area about a day ago. Six vents are now open at the crater. This is a deviation in eruption pattern established Dec '24.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
We had an #aurora display visible within city limits of Reykjavik this week. Absolutely insane scenes of bands of light everywhere throughout the sky. Luckily I was leading a private tour and my guests had the chance to side quest in the city after their Sidequest tour. #northernlights #iceland
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Absolutely gorgeous night of aurora hunting here in Iceland. You're next, North America! #northernlights #aurora #iceland
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Overall if I want a higher-end, pool-lagoon experience closer to Reykjavík, I think this is the one I'll opt for now (for time being, who knows what will get built next haha). Rating? 8/10 for proximity & spa. Could improve accessibility, spa exclusivity, added hidden spots in pool (too wide open).
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
My biggest complaint was how far I had to walk on uneven gravel to the front door. Absolutely not accessible right now. The cost for just lagoon/sauna access is lower than other market players currently but for spa access it's a bit higher (but you get full spa use for three hours with ticket).
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
I enjoyed the greenhouse drinks room and patio (prosecco on tap! Collab fridge!) but I'm intrigued how they're going to keep spa and non-spa guests separated. They're building cabins, there's a restaurant & event space on-site. Changing areas, showers are nice but could have more seating.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The star of the show is the bathhouse. Ten spa stations that you can do in whatever order you want, as many times as you want. Designed to look like an old barn, yet feels sophisticated. Really unique offerings like a snow room, progressive shower walk, fireplace pool, & hot plunge w/nature sounds.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
I know this is a weird gripe, but the pool has a fair amount of seating but feels very wide open and/or exposed. It could use some extra greenery, rocks, or alcoves. But it did have a covered area with a fire place which has huge potential for wintertime and is a unique offering.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The big pool "lagoon" sits at the foothills of a geothermal valley. At times it feels really secluded if looking from a certain angle, and then you turn around and can see the Ring Road descending from Hellisheiði. Overall look is spartan wood, architecturally clean lines with turf house touches.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Jæja! I asked and y'all answered. A local's review of all the different lagoons and nature baths here in Iceland, since so many new ones have opened. The most recent opening is Reykjaböðin, just outside Hveragerði next the Reykjadalur hot springs trailhead, less than hour from Reykjavík.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
A lovely happy #caturday to all who celebrate! #mjá Gary the Maine Coon was posing up a storm this week.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
I'd say we're about a week or two early on this; last year I did a fall foliage photo trip the last weekend of September here. By the looks of things, I could do the same trip this coming weekend of next. Photo above from Reykjadalur two days ago, photo below from September 27, 2025.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
While a lot of Europe and the US still struggles with 30°C weather (it's been 36°C+ at my family's home), autumn is definitely here in Reykjavik. The leaves have already started to change, the nights are growing darker and cooler, the moss is slowly losing color, and the air has that crisp smell.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
At 12:05 today, we had a passover of a polar-orbiting satellite, that captured us in our cloud-free glory.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Vá: a September Bongo™️
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I went to the new Reykjaböð Hot Springs in Reykjadalur outside Hveragerði yesterday. Interesting new take on Iceland's growing (capitalist) fascination with lagoons and geothermal nature baths. I've been thinking: should I review the new lagoons, baths, and pools? Would that interest you all?
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Our first big geomagnetic substorm of the season that coincided with clear (and finally) dark skies. Didn't even have to leave Reykjavík. If you're in northern North America this evening, I suggest you keep an eye on the sky. Kp5 conditions predicted to persist. #northernlights #aurora #iceland
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
A late #caturday post: I know I'm an overprotective cat mom but I lose my ever-loving mind when he does this. Sir, we are four stories up, and you are not trained for this! Your luscious coat and fluffy tail are not going to save you if you fall that far.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Today Icelanders take to the polls to vote in a referendum if we wish to restart negotiations about joining the EU. This is not about joining but simply taking up negotiations once more. The incoming government in 2014 unceremoniously scuppered negotiations without a promised public vote back then.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Today's lava is rainbow thin film interference on a piece of tachylite volcanic glass bubble. Might be the prettiest lava I've found! 😍🌈🌋 #volcano #iceland
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Check out the current predictions for local terrestrial weather and global solar weather here:
Always a big thanks to the Northern Lights Group on FB for easy to understand updates and data.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Keep an eye on those apps and data dashboards this evening, as a G2 geomagnetic storm notice has been issued. With activity that could peak anywhere over Europe or North America, given the timings. Iceland might even see a break in the clouds! A rare treat. #northernlights #aurora
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
It was a gorgeous waterfall kind of day out there in Iceland today. Do you like our little falls or the big?
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Resting grump face? Gary is an angel but look at this dour face 😹😂 Happy #caturday and to all the soggy Reykjavik Marathon runners out there: I'm warm in bed snuggling my cat. We all win in different ways!
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
My first official northern lights tour of the season kicked off this evening. The lights were a little less green and a little more diffuse this evening, but it's worth it when someone says, "this was truly the best night ever!"
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Guess who's baaaaaack?? The Green Goddess was able to shine past the waning midnight sun and the city lights to make an appearance in the heart of downtown Reykjavík last night! #northernlights season in #iceland is ON. The #aurora forecast looks good for the next few nights: are you ready?
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Guys, it's waterlily weigh-off season! Am I the only one who knows what this is?! The production value is through the roof this year. 🪷 2025 winner Bok Tower Gardens had a waterlily that held 183 lbs (83 kg). Spearheaded by the lovely @denverbotanic.bsky.social Alas, no waterlilies in my country 😭
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Hello #caturday fans and fiends! Gary is always watching: (not using his impressive cat wall ever, but sitting near it; typical cat lol)
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Today's piece of lava is brought to you by the ✨sunset✨ These beautiful colors are caused by a few different phenomenon, including heavy minerals, thin film interference, and/or the refractive index of the glass. Lava is tachylite as reheated tephra from the 1918 eruption of Katla here in Iceland.
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Jessý Potato @markdownhandsup.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
What did I see from my balcony after the eclipse last night? Wrong answers only!
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