Look for auroras tonight, northern US

[Blue_In_AK]

http://www.adn.com/article/20150317/major-solar-storm-hits-earth-may-pull-northern-lights-south

<snip>


But the most noticeable effect is usually considered a positive. The Aurora Borealis or northern lights that usually can be viewed only in the far north will dip south, so more people should be able to enjoy the colorful sky show. Forecasters were not sure just how far south it would be visible.

Forecasters said early Tuesday, before sunrise, auroras were already seen in the northern tier of the U.S., such as Washington state, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Space Weather branch chief Brent Gordon said if the storm effects continued through Tuesday evening, there was a "very strong possibility" that the northern lights could be seen as far south as the middle United States, even Tennessee and Oklahoma. That also means much of Russia and northern Europe, as far south as central Germany and Poland, had the potential for the sky show.

The sky has to be clear of clouds but the crescent moon will appear small enough it shouldn't interfere with viewing of the aurora is in the sky, Gordon said.

There was quite a show here last night, from the photos I've seen (I was in bed asleep, of course), and should repeat tonight. I'm going to try to stay up for them.



Nice video here.
http://www.adn.com/video/video-iditarod-northern-lights-over-kaltag

[magical thyme]

1. well the wind has blown our clouds away

but so far I haven't seen anything. Hopefully I'll see some...

[Blue_In_AK]

2. Here is a link

to a site I use for the short-term Aurora forecast. http://www.softservenews.com/Aurora.htm It will give you the forecast for your exact GPS location.

Our weather guy just said there's a bank of clouds moving in here tonight, so I may not have any luck.

[magical thyme]

3. well I'm a little north of 7kp on their map

but not in the zone according to the lower map.

Just spent a few minutes shivering in my 3 season room in the dark. I can see the stars bright and clear. Bit the bullet and stuck my head outside in the bitter winds (gusts 50mph, steady winds are howling). Nothing. Oh well. Maybe next time...