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Thursday, April 09, 2015

 

Aurora Watch (9-10 April)

An Aurora Watch and a geomagnetic alert has been issued by the Australian IPS for the 9th (yes tonight) to the 10th due to an anticipated Coronal Mass Ejection impact combined with a high speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole. Late on the 9th seems the most likely time (although that might be in the early morning of the 10th). Geomagnetic activity is rated at "unsettled to active with isolated Minor Storm levels." Aurora, if they occur, are likely to be seen only in Tasmania (possibly Victoria if the minor storm eventuates).

Aurora can occur at any time after nightfall (although around midnight or just after seems to be common). Dark sky sites have the best chance of seeing anything, and always allow around 5 minutes for your eyes to become dark adapted.
As always look to the south for shifting red/green glows, beams have been reported too.

The waning Moon will interfere quite a bit after it rises around 9 pm.

The all sky aurora camera in Southern Tasmania at Cressy may be helpful),
http://www.ips.gov.au/Geophysical/4/2
SUBJ: IPS AURORA WATCH
ISSUED AT 2357 UT ON 08 Apr 2015 BY IPS RADIO AND SPACE SERVICES
FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE

A Coronal Mass Ejection is expected to impact the Earth within the
next 24 hours, possibly resulting in significant space weather
activity and visible auroras during local nighttime hours. Aurora
alerts will follow should favourable space weather activity
eventuate.

GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY FORECAST
09 Apr:  Quiet to Active with a chance of isolated Minor Storm levels.
10 Apr:  Quiet to Active.

Further monitoring at
http://www.ips.gov.au

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