Low Level Aurora Last Night - Jan 7th

[martinastro]

A G2 geomagnetic storm hit last night but I missed the best part because I was watching a film (shame) however when I saw the charts I noticed a bigfcontradiction, the oval was not over us, the IMF was north, KP 5 so in normal conditions it would not be visible. However the traffic light charts had a flashing amber alert for mid northern lats so I decided to go out because these charts are always accurate based on personal experience. I drove out to the country on the ice and snow in -4 C temps while the car slid all over the place. I could see an aurora through the window without dark adaption. It was an enhancement to the N and NW sky with greatest brlliance to the left of Cygnus, it was very low at 5 degrees or so in elevation, the camera picked it up better however the distant LP spoiled the image. I watched it for 20 min's then went back home as it faded. Not spectacular but still fabulous to see an aurora so early into 2011 so I was chuffed to bits. I have a feeling I missed a much better show earlier.

[Roman White]

Well done Martin!

but I missed the best part because I was watching a film (shame) however when I saw the charts (...)

I fell asleep just before midnight... I think this storm couldn't reach my latitude, however this is another alert easily missed by me.

[martinastro]

Thanks very much Roman - I almost missed it myself. There could be more tonight and Sat. Here's a shot of Orion taken after the aurora.

[rjgjr]

Great images Martin!

[martinastro]

Thanks very much Richard, I hope the next aurora will be a proper one 

[markt]

Nice shots Martin, it's always good to see the northern lights.  Gratz on SW too, your aurora pics are getting noticed these couple of days   Guess we need to keep our eyes on the solar wind data now we're getting closer to solar maximum, more will follow!

[paulster78]

Brilliant stuff Martin