If you missed the recent display of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, you might have another chance in the upcoming week starting June 3. There are no definite promises, but the solar region that triggered a G5 geomagnetic storm—the most intense since 2003—last month is facing Earth again, and it remains active.
According to NASA, the sunspot AR3697, previously identified as AR3664, emitted an X-class solar flare rated X1.4 on May 29. Auroras are produced when the solar wind, propelled by events like solar flares, interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere, which shields our planet from the sun’s charged particles.
X-class solar flare released a CME. Solar storm coming in the next couple days. Nothing scary but something to watch. pic.twitter.com/QRvBkPpSZL
— EveryManPrepping (@EveryManPrepper) June 2, 2024
Opportunities for viewing the aurora may arise a few days around June 6, which marks one complete rotation of the sun since the May 10 display. This date also coincides with the new moon, providing darker skies which are ideal for observing the northern lights.
Social media platforms can be a valuable source of information for aurora forecasts, but caution is advised due to prevalent misinformation. It is best to rely on accredited solar physicists and expert aurora watchers. Recommended sources include the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, AuroraWatch UK, and the My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app. Notable individuals to follow for reliable updates include Dr. Ryan French, a British solar astrophysicist, Sara Housseal, a space weather forecaster and meteorologist, and Vincent Ledvina, known as “The Aurora Guy,” a northern lights photographer and space physics PhD student.
Clear skies are crucial for observing the aurora, as clouds can obstruct visibility regardless of the intensity of geomagnetic activity. It is advisable to consult travel and weather apps like Windy for up-to-date atmospheric conditions. Even though the nights are shorter in northern latitudes during June, knowing a dark location to visit, such as those listed on the DarkSky website’s Find A Dark Place, can significantly enhance your viewing experience.
An X-class solar flare has erupted from the Sun’s southeastern limb, the tracked location of sunspot group AR3664, which is currently out of range of NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. pic.twitter.com/MpTKlhzphB
— Trekzone Media🖖 (@TREKZONEorg) June 2, 2024
When photographing the aurora, it’s tempting to snap any picture just to capture the moment. However, for a memorable photograph, consider including an interesting foreground like a silhouette of a tree, a building, or a reflective lake, and be mindful of the aurora’s typical appearance around the Arctic or Antarctic circles. Photographic apps such as PhotoPills, The Photographer’s Ephemeris, and Planit Pro can assist in planning your shot.
While city lights can hinder viewing, it is possible to photograph the aurora in urban settings using long exposure techniques. Tools like a tripod and a camera capable of manual settings are recommended to capture the vibrant colors of the aurora, which are more pronounced in photographs than to the naked eye.
Another northern lights show? That giant sunspot is back and it’s flaring.
A good opportunity to remind everyone that the sun controls Earth’s climate…..not carbon dioxide. https://t.co/HKJKisXqBr
— Martyupnorth®- Unacceptable Fact Checker (@Martyupnorth_2) June 1, 2024
The best camera settings for capturing the aurora include using a wide-angle lens with a wide aperture (such as f/2.8), setting the focus to infinity, and shooting in raw format with a white balance between 3500K and 4000K. Ideal settings might range from an ISO of 800 with a shutter speed between 5 and 20 seconds, depending on the aurora’s brightness. For smartphone photography, using ‘night mode’ or a dedicated astrophotography mode can yield good results, even allowing for exposure control.
In summary, while there’s no guarantee of witnessing the aurora borealis in the coming week, being prepared with the right information and equipment can significantly improve your chances of experiencing and capturing this natural phenomenon.
Major Points
- The solar region that caused a significant geomagnetic storm last month is active again, potentially allowing for another display of the aurora borealis around June 6.
- Opportunities for viewing are enhanced by the new moon on June 6, which will provide darker skies necessary for observing the northern lights.
- Trusted sources for aurora forecasts include the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, AuroraWatch UK, and credible solar physicists and aurora experts on social media.
- Ideal aurora photography involves dark skies away from city lights, using a tripod, and incorporating interesting foreground elements in the shot.
- The best camera settings for capturing the aurora include a long exposure time, a wide aperture, and adjustments specific to low light conditions to enhance the visibility of the aurora’s colors.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
