Solar flares and the northern lights

[Rick P]

The sun is really kicking out a ton of flares, strongest in many years. The lights just started here, some have predicted they will be seen as far south as the northern lower 48 tonight, possibly tomarow as well. Im waiting for them to build a bit then heading out to do some photography.......look north if you get a chance.

 

[GoatRider]

There was a great shot on Astronomy Picture of the Day yesterday:

APOD: 2012 January 24 - January Aurora Over Norway

 

[Rob73]

Believe this year starts a more active cycle in the sun so you should have some nice shows up there for awhile.

 

[Justturnin]

They are a beautiful site. The only solar flares we get around here are in July around 1pm when I walk outside and within seconds start smelling bacon.......

 

[Rick P]

You are correct Rob and we have had some awesome displays! I posted a few of my pics a while back here in the casual conversation forum. I actually belong to a couple of northern lights photography groups and a site that sends alerts to my computer when the sun is getting active.

Last night I stood outside for several hours drove about an hour and never did find a window in the could cover........but the clouds had a nice glow to them.

 

[wolftat]

There is so much light polution around here that we wouldn't see it if it was directly overhead. Enjoy the show.

 

[Rick P]

Good point Wolftat and I never realised how bad it is until my wife and I started our travels. In many areas you can barely see the night sky at all these days........one wonders how critters that use the moon for navigation still manage to find there way around.