Aurora Borealis

[Bobcat1]

If skies are clear, the Northern Lights are really putting on a show tonight! I’ve seen reports from as far south as Nashville!

[dcclark]

I think I am cursed when it comes to the Aurora. I only ever saw them once when I lived in the UP. Last night, my neighbors all claimed they could see the lights, but standing outside with a clear sky I couldn't find a thing!

[Kelly]

I think I am cursed when it comes to the Aurora. I only ever saw them once when I lived in the UP. Last night, my neighbors all claimed they could see the lights, but standing outside with a clear sky I couldn't find a thing!

Next time (whenever that is), take a picture towards the north and see what shows up.

[Midwest Ed]

I think I am cursed when it comes to the Aurora. I only ever saw them once when I lived in the UP. Last night, my neighbors all claimed they could see the lights, but standing outside with a clear sky I couldn't find a thing!

Next time (whenever that is), take a picture towards the north and see what shows up.

Yes, a camera will capture them better than the human eye. The optimal method requires a camera with adjustable shutter speed and aperture and the use of a tripod. Open up the aperture wide and set the shutter speed to 15 seconds (tripod needed)
Also, the colors will be more vivid.

[Bobcat1]

It is also possible that your eyes need to be trained to what unfiltered, unphotographed auroras can look like. As an amateur astronomer, I have been astonished by how much I have learned to see! Sometimes auroras are just a faint glow at the northern horizon, sometimes they look like searchlights, and sometimes they just look like faint clouds. Then sometimes they are spectacular.

[Kelly]

As an amateur astronomer, I have been astonished by how much I have learned to see!

This is true, and speaks to the value of time, exposure, learning, and experience.

[Backpacker534]

I agree. I couldn't see anything in my backyard, especially with all of the light pollution. But a several-second photo with my phone got me a few pics, but nothing stellar.

Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

[dcclark]

I tried some long exposures last night and couldn't find anything, but I think that living in the middle of a city is a bigger issue.

I'll be camping on the shore of Lake Superior in a week and can only hope the auroras will be active then!

[fonixmunkee]

Good views this weekend over Lake Superior!

[RedLeg]

Tonight is potentially another lights show for us all