Aurora Borealis Predictions and Other Space Phenomena 2008-09 (Fairbanks, Bethel: how much, live)

[HighlandLady]

I've just received an email predicting auroras this weekend and thought I would start a new thread for all who are interested or new to Alaska. I'll list some good links to start so each can check out the forecasts and anticipated outcomes for the Lights. Bear with me - have I mentioned I am obsessed??
Also, I think photos of the Lights could go here as well.

This is the email pertaining to this weekend:

"HARVEST MOON: This weekend's full Moon has a special name--the Harvest Moon. It's the full Moon closest to the northern autumnal equinox. In years past, farmers depended on the light of the Harvest Moon to gather ripening crops late into the night. Post-Edison, we appreciate it mainly for its beauty. Be alert in the nights ahead for Harvest Moon halos, coronas and 'dogs.
AURORA WATCH: Around the Arctic Circle, moonlight will compete with Northern Lights. A solar wind stream flowing from a coronal hole on the sun is due to hit Earth on Sept. 13th or 14th, possibly sparking high-latitude geomagnetic storms. Sky watchers from Alaska to Scandinavia should be alert for auroras."


Links for information and forecast:
The Geophysical Institute Auroral Forecast Page

SpaceWeather.com -- News and information about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth asteroids

Solar Terrestrial Dispatch - Leaders in Space Weather Forecasting Services

This site is primarily in French, but I use the graphs to check on the Lights:
LES AURORES EN DIRECTES

Then, as I have mentioned before, there is the webcam located at Poker Flats Research Range outside of Fairbanks, AK:
SALMON:live:Aurora Web Camera

Happy viewing!!

[DreamChasers8]

I too have been watching the forecast stay strong around a 3 lately. If only the clouds would disappear at night, that might help. I can't wait to see them fo rthe first time!!!

[Clay Lady]

Highlandlady, can you see the lights on the web cam you listed? What time would it be best for me to check it?

[HighlandLady]

Originally Posted by Clay Lady

Highlandlady, can you see the lights on the web cam you listed? What time would it be best for me to check it?

Closer to 11:00pm or midnight - Alaskan Time (we're two hours behind Mountain Time). Though there have been earlier times - after dark.
Yes, I've watched them via the webcam and was exceedingly envious as cloud cover prohibited the view where I am located.
You can view them in Wyoming from time to time, usually low on the horizon and when Kp indicies are around 6 or 7.

[Clay Lady]

HighlandLady, you are very helpful. I'll have to keep an eye out. I hope you post some of your pics when you get them.

[HighlandLady]

For tonight:
"Auroral activity will be moderate. Weather permitting, moderate displays will be visible overhead from Barrow to as far south as Talkeetna and visible low on the horizon as far south as Bethel, Soldotna and southeast Alaska."

[Barkingowl]

So what are you seeing tonight Cori?

[HighlandLady]

To discover your magnetic latitude go here:
SWPC Tips on Viewing the Aurora

Scroll down and click on clickable Kp maps. From there, you can click on the map of your choosing to find out your magnetic latitude and from there, find what the Kp index has to be to allow you to see the Aurorae.

[HighlandLady]

Originally Posted by Barkingowl

So what are you seeing tonight Cori?

Clouds and rain, Chris...clouds and rain

[Barkingowl]

Originally Posted by HighlandLady

Clouds and rain, Chris...clouds and rain

You wouldn't believe how much I miss those clouds & rain.