An image taken by News photographer Kelly Carmody during the May 11 aurora event near Rushworth.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
The strongest potential aurora forecast since the unforgettable May 11 event has been issued, and Victorians may be lucky to witness another spectacular light display tonight, July 30, into the early hours of Thursday, August 1.
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The alert, issued by the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre, part of the Bureau of Meteorology, has sparked excitement among enthusiasts eager to experience the potential wonder of the aurora.
As a keen aurora photographer and chaser, I thought it was best to reach out to our expert, Dazza Fulton, founder of Aurora Hunters United and PacMan Space Weather.
Aurora Hunters United and PacMan Space Weather founder Dazza Fulton.
We have previously featured Dazza in The News for his expert opinions and did an in-depth Q&A with him following the last major aurora event, which many Goulburn Valley residents witnessed.
“Aurora chasers might be blessed with the possibility of another fantastic show over the next few nights as the sun delivers a barrage of eruptions (coronal mass ejections/CME’s) towards the earth,” Mr Fulton said.
“Now, don’t sound the alarms for concern, it is not required as our magnetic field ensures we are protected from such events.
“The first of many CME’s has made its mark just prior to 10.30am AEST this morning. However, there are many things that must take place first in order to ensure the development of aurora taking place this evening.
Image of our sun. Photo: Courtesy of SDO Satellite in AIA171 Angstroms.
“There is a specific science we follow in the aurora community that normally would leave a beginners head swirling.
“Fortunately, there are wonderful communities involved with which to help guide and teach such details should you desire.
“If you are someone who simply wants to know ‘when’ you should head out to attempt to capture the aurora’s arrival, then I would recommend joining or following our community page at Aurora Hunters United (on Facebook) this evening.
“Full updates in real time are available, along with a core community of the most knowledgeable Aurora Hunters, all willing to help guide all who seek the elusive aurora light show.”
KEY POINTS
• While some auroral events are visible to the naked eye it is always best captured using photography (time-lapse capable camera)
• You will require dark skies with minimal ambient light (especially southwards)
• You will need to be facing southward towards the South Pole (use compass or phone compass)
• Minimal mountain range impedances south to negate viewing restriction
• Clouds to the south will impede viewing as the aurora takes place high above and behind the clouds
Star-gazers should not be disappointed if they cannot find an auroral event in the skies tonight, Mr Fulton said.
“We have several nights of potential ahead, so do not be disheartened if the stars do not align this evening as more potential is still yet to come,” he said.
“It should be noted that the aurora is never guaranteed regardless of space weather.
“Things must align here on earth for charge to develop with which to produce aurora.
“Expectations have been set very high since the May 11 aurora event and I would advise strongly to not expect the same level of intensity but, be blissfully surprised if that should eventuate again any time soon.
“If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to join our supportive community page where we all hunt the aurora united as one.”
