Watching for auroras

Originally uploaded by woodcreeper.

My buddy Matt O’Hara is visiting Inga and I this week on his way to Boston. We’ve been having a blast catching up with old friends in the area, taking photographs, and doing some bird watching.

Over the past two nights conditions were supposed to be good for observing the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) due to a large solar flare that occurred last week. This image is from 1/16, when Matt and I waited patiently in the freezing cold at 3am, hoping to catch a glimpse of the dancing sky. Unfortunately it was not to be, although the clouds, snow, and light pollution did produce this cool image. Details from the image can be seen by clicking it and reading the comments. Last night was a second chance to see the Northern Lights, and the sky was definitely clear enough had they been active, but alas it was not to be. I did take a nasty spill on some ice and busted by butt, so I guess it was still worth running outside in 0 degree F weather (for Matt, that is).

Anyway, if you’re interested in Northern Lights, some good websites to check out are SpaceWeather.com and SpaceW.com which also has a great discussion forum