The Northern and Southern Lights
September 10th 2010 03:18
Category: No Category
Aurora Australis seen from space
The Northern and Southern Lights
One of nature's best light shows is seeing the aurora most commonly called the northern lights.
For many of us myself included seeing a display of this magnitude is not always possible given my geographical location.
Granted if you live in Alaska or Iceland the chances of seeing a beautiful display of coloured lights will hanging from the sky like long curtains of light are excellent.
Yet it is still possible to see an Auroral displays in latitudes north and south of the earth's polar ice caps.
Auroral displays are very common in the northern parts of South America ,southAfrica and Australia.
This is due mostly with the 11 year cycle of some undertakes during which you can produce heightened solar activity which peaks every 11 years.
It is during this time that the light shows and can expand further north and south people producing a light show in locations that would not normally be seen.
For example Australians living in Tasmania and southern New Zealand have a better chance of seeing the aurora than myself, although my location is well to the north in Brisbane.
My chances improve towards the height of the Sun's 11 year cycle my chances of seeing an aurora is more favorable.
Solar Cycle 24 started in 2008 and will peak in 2019 The previous solar cycle. The last Solar Cycle 23, peaked in 2000-2002.
Auroral displays can occur at any time regardless of the sun’s solar cycle, there may be a sudden increase in solar activity which can trigger Aurora's.
There are many Internet sites that monitor Auroral displays and I have included a few Internet links that have live up-to-the-minute information on Aurora activity on a worldwide basis.
So in the meantime keep looking at the skies.
Aurora Activity Links below
Aurora activity click here
Haarp facility Alaska
You can listen to the sounds of the northern lights here
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Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief
Comment by CarlCan
Astroearth
Camera Sense
As the Sun is reaching its peak cycle( as it did in2001) in the next few years you will start to see an increase in Auroral activity in the lower southern regions of the world.
Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief
Comment by CarlCan
Astroearth
Camera Sense
The chances start to improve around 2013 to 59% by 2016 77% 2018 96%.
Although the numbers are low at the moment you will get to see some of the periphery effects of an Auroral disturbance.
It may not be as spectacular as if you lived near the polar regions.
But at least you will get to see a glimpse or at least a partial Aurora when this current solar cycle 24 peaks in 2019.
Keep a eye on the internet for sudden solar storms that can occur at any time.
Aurora displays usually occur after a solar storm.
Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief