Astroblog: Aurora Watch (20 September 2016)

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Aurora Watch (20 September 2016)

The Australian Space Weather Service (SWS ) has now issued an Aurora Watch for 20 September UT from a high speed solar wind stream and there is also a current geomagnetic warning. Early evening skies are Moon free, but cloud is problematic and the moon rises later in the evening. It is possible aurora may be seen in Tasmania and Southern Victoria if minor storms eventuate. As of the last few hours, aurora have been reports of aurora in New Zealand, but current conditions in Australia are unfavorable. However, conditions are expected to fluctuate rapidly through the evening so be on the lookout if cloud clears.

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 consistently over the last few aurora and a large green "blob" has been seen, as well as bright proton arcs and "picket fences".

Here is the near-real time satellite view of the clouds http://satview.bom.gov.au/
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.

The all sky aurora camera in Northern Tasmania at Cressy is still borked.
<http://www.ips.gov.au/Geophysical/4/2>

SUBJ: SWS AURORA WATCH
ISSUED AT 0711 UT ON 20 Sep 2016 by Space Weather Services
FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE

The earth is currently under the influence of a high speed solar wind
stream (675km/s) from a recurrent negative polarity coronal hole.
There is a chance this may result in significant space weather
activity and visible auroras during local nighttime hours - dependent
upon strong solar wind speed, sustained southward Bz and favourable
viewing conditions. Aurora alerts will follow should favourable space
weather activity eventuate.

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

Labels: aurora