New aurora activity

[Scott A. Kampas]

The northern half of the US and similar latitudes may see the aurora tonight, a strong geomagnetic storm is in progress at the moment and may intensify further. A mid-latitude auroral activity warning is in effect. Unfortunately, many areas are covered in clouds.

http://www.spacew.com/
http://www.sec.noaa.gov/SWN/
http://www.spaceweather.com/

Scott

 

[Eric Friedebach]

We had clear skies in southern MN last evening. Yellowish in the center of the horizon. I’ve read that near Fargo, they stretched across the horizon and were much brighter. Luckily, I’m in a rural area with no light pollution.

 

[B Ozanne]

We had great views from the summit of Mount Washington last night. A nice surprise too as we weren't expecting it.

http://www.mountwashington.org/comments/20...5/010811-lg.jpg

 

[Scott A. Kampas]

A sunspot has grown extremely rapidly and is now capable of producing energetic solar flares with CMEs that would be earth-directed. Major aurora activity is likely this week.

Very impressive animation of growing sunspot: http://www.spaceweather.com/images2005/14j...n05/720_big.gif

Scott

 

[Jon Miller]

A MID and LOW lattitude aurora watch is now active for the 18th due to M and X class flare related CME's from sunspot 720 :
http://www.spacew.com/index.php

 

[Skip Talbot]

Which flare is going to hit us first? The M or the X class, or both at the same time?

 

[Jon Miller]

The large M class CME is first acording to the auroral update:
http://www.spacew.com/update.html

 

[Skip Talbot]

The large M class CME is first acording to the auroral update:
http://www.spacew.com/update.html

Thanks for the update Jon.

What kind of photographic equipment do I need to capture this event? I know you can replicate it quite nicely with a DSLR but my 5.0 megapixel sony doesn't have manual exposure so I think that is out. Do you think I will have better look with video? I might borrow my dad's Panasonic 3CCD digital cam. Its no VX2100 but it be worth hauling out tonight.

 

[Mike Hollingshead]

OH MY GOD The first display was simply incredible and that is from Nebraska!!! I hope it comes back.

 

[Skip Talbot]

How long did it last, Mike? I have been checking every so often from the Chicago suburbs and haven't seen anything yet.

 

[Glen Romine]

Wow, I'm surprised you've been able to see anything already. All of the sensors suggest the CME has not yet arrived even at the ACE craft. Generally need a G3 (Kp >7) to be visible here.

http://www.sec.noaa.gov/alerts/warnings_timeline.html

Take lots of nice pictures for us Mike!

Glen

 

[Jeff Lawson]

Hmm...I didn't see anything. But, then again, I wasn't watching.

I guess I'll have to stick closer to the window tonight. Only drag is I'm south of Omaha, so the northern sky is pretty bright. Honestly, as cold as it is, I have little desire to drive across town and set up outside.

 

[Mike Hollingshead]

Ok, I'm just kidding. Just trying to keep you guys on your toes! Hehe.

 

[Jeff Lawson]

I'm gonna drive up there and throw you in the river, Mike.

 

[Skip Talbot]

I'm gonna drive up there and throw you in the river, Mike.

Eject him into space and let the CME do the rest. :wink: