Sep 15, 2011
Aurora Borealis
Last Friday evening, Sept.9th, the night after the winery event, I was in bed about 9:30PM. Colin was outside playing his guitar when a security guard came by and asked him to look back over his shoulder. There it was, perhaps the first time ever here, a light show, the Northern Lights. Colin woke me and we looked out the window, I could see them dancing across the sky but the colours eluded us. The neighbours outdoor lights were too bright so we hopped into the golf cart and drove off to the dog park which was dark. They were gone. We had missed them. I was so disappointed as I have not seen them since moving away from Edmonton years ago. At least I had a glimpse. The mystery was in that how could we see them here, so far south.
Thanks to Croft and his research we have the answer.
“just before midnight we were treated to a beautiful aurora borealis show that covered the entire northern horizon! I have not seen a show like this since we lived up near the Alaska border. It was an amazing show and I just found out it is the result of a major geomagnetic storm on the sun and the resulting CME’s hitting the earth. We can expect more in the next couple of days.”
Mucho gracias mi amigo!
If you want to see this amazing spectacle online have a look. This is a webcam set up by the Canadian Space agency, it takes a few moments to load. You can click onto a live feed, at night of course! There is also a link to an information website on the Northern lights which has a few other links that may be of interest. This is where I got the webcam link. Here is a tiny exert from the article.
Solar maximum comingThe AuroraMax project is being launched in time for scientists to observe the solar maximum, the period in which the northern lights are expected to be more frequent and active. Originally forecast to occur in 2012, the solar maximum is currently expected to take place in 2013.
To coincide with the launch of the AuroraMax website, Astronomy North has begun a notification system to advise aurora-watchers of the next big light show.
So now you have a chance to become an observer of the aurora borealis no matter where you are in the world. Enjoy!
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Thanks for the interesting information!
Excelent shot,we have experianced Northen Lights in Alaska.
Before all the development around here, we could see the northern lights from our house. Now we have to drive 3 or 4 miles out of town to see them. Too many street lights!
Yep, the northern lights are hopping this year on the Alaskan northslope also. Heading towards the apex of the solar activity cycle next year. We will be hitting the Isla mid-November. How about you?
Peace
Drew & Jeanne
Drew~~~~you are so fortunate to get to see the northern lights as often as you do. Great to hear from you. Hope you are both well. We plan to arrive on the Isla Nov. 5th. Stay tuned for any changes.
Marty““I had no idea that you could see the lights from Montana. I agree about the street lights but at least you get to see the spectacle.
Daniel & Shula~~~~~~lucky you, I think that you will have experienced all there is to enjoy in life before you pass on!!
George““`de nada