What Are Auroras?Chasing the Northern Lights: An expert Guide to Auroras and Their Wonders.

Imagine a time, living in a cave, fearing the dark, fearing the sounds that night brings. Predators, strange noises, and then Strange glowing lights in the sky. Aurora became both alarmed, dismayed and venerated equally. Thousands of years later and Mankind is still asking the same questions, Did we anger the Gods, did Aliens cause this? But this is mostly due to people failing to understand how our own little Star “Sol” works, Auroras are caused by the Sun.

What are Aurora’s

Auroras, commonly known as, Aurora Borealis, The Northern Lights and Aurora Australis, The Southern Lights, which are a stunning natural light displays that occur in polar regions. These phenomena are caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field. When solar winds—streams of charged particles—collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, they create vibrant colors, predominantly greens, pinks, and purples, that dance across the night sky.

In the UK, we primarily experience the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, though sightings are relatively rare compared to regions closer to the poles. The best chances to witness this breathtaking phenomenon usually occur during periods of high solar activity, especially during the winter months when nights are longer and darker.

How are Auroras Created

Rather than explain this, here is an amazing video by Fazian Raza, Univ. Of Oslo

Why Are the Northern Lights So Colorful?

The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that dances across the night sky in vibrant hues. But what causes these stunning displays of color? Let’s dive into the science behind the Northern Lights’ captivating palette.

The Role of Gases

The colors of the aurora are determined by the type of gas in Earth’s atmosphere that is being excited by incoming solar particles. When these particles collide with gas molecules, they cause the molecules to emit light.

• Green: The most common color is green, produced by oxygen atoms located about 60 miles above Earth’s surface.
• Red: Oxygen atoms at higher altitudes (around 120 miles) create a deep red color.
• Blue and Purple: Nitrogen molecules, typically at lower altitudes, produce blue and purple hues.

Factors Affecting Color Intensity

The intensity of the aurora and the altitude of the collisions can also influence the colors. During periods of high solar activity, more energetic particles can penetrate deeper into the atmosphere, leading to a wider range of colors and more vibrant displays.

The KP Index Explained

The KP index, or Kp index, is a scale that measures geomagnetic activity, ranging from 0 to 9. It helps predict the visibility of auroras around the world. Here’s a breakdown of the scale:

• Kp 0-2: Very low activity; auroras are unlikely.
• Kp 3-4: Moderate activity; potential auroras visible at higher latitudes.
• Kp 5: Strong activity; auroras can be seen in northern parts of the UK.
• Kp 6-7: Very strong activity; good chances of auroras in central and southern parts of the UK.
• Kp 8-9: Extreme activity; auroras likely visible much further south, possibly as far as London.

How the KP Index Affects the UK

In the UK, the KP index is crucial for predicting aurora sightings. Areas in Scotland, particularly the northern regions like the Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands, have the best chances of witnessing the Northern Lights. However, during significant geomagnetic storms, even southern parts of England may catch glimpses of this spectacular event.

Monitoring the KP Index

Several websites and apps provide real-time KP index updates, allowing enthusiasts to track geomagnetic activity. Some popular resources include:

• NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center: Offers forecasts and real-time KP index data.
• AuroraWatch UK: A dedicated service that provides alerts for potential aurora sightings in the UK.

Best Practices for Aurora Watching

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, here are some tips:

1. Stay Informed: Regularly check the KP index and solar activity forecasts.
2. Choose the Right Location: Find a dark area away from city lights, preferably in the northern regions of the UK.
3. Be Patient: Auroras can be unpredictable. Bring warm clothing, food, and a comfortable chair for a longer wait.
4. Camera Ready: If you’re a photography enthusiast, prepare your camera settings in advance to capture the stunning visuals.

Photographing Aurora on a Phone.

While smartphones aren’t as ideal as dedicated cameras for capturing auroras due to their smaller sensors and limited manual controls, you can still achieve impressive results with a bit of know-how.

Here are some tips:

1. Find a Dark Location:

• Avoid light pollution from cities or towns. Rural areas or national parks offer the best conditions.

2. Check Aurora Forecasts:

• Use apps or websites like Aurora Forecast to monitor solar activity and geomagnetic conditions.

3. Manual Mode:

• If your smartphone allows, switch to manual mode to have more control over settings.

4. Adjust Settings:

• Exposure: Set a longer exposure time (around 5-10 seconds) to capture more light from the aurora.
• ISO: Increase the ISO to improve sensitivity, but be mindful of noise. Start around 800-1600 and adjust as needed.
• Focus: Switch to manual focus and focus on a distant object.

5. Use a Tripod:

• A tripod will help stabilize your phone and prevent blurry images, especially with longer exposures.

6. Burst Mode:

• Activate burst mode to capture multiple images quickly and increase your chances of getting a good shot.

7. Experiment with White Balance:

• Try different white balance settings to see which one best captures the colors of the aurora.

8. Post-Processing:

• Use a photo editing app to enhance the colors, brightness, and contrast of your aurora photos.

Additional Tips:

• Turn Off Flash: The flash will only illuminate objects close to your phone and won’t affect the aurora.
• Avoid Zoom: Zooming in can reduce image quality.
• Be Patient: Auroras can be fleeting, so be prepared to take multiple shots.

Remember, the best way to capture auroras is with a dedicated camera, but with a bit of practice and patience, you can still take stunning photos of this natural phenomenon with your smartphone.

Conclusion

Auroras are a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that capture the imagination. Understanding the KP index is essential for anyone interested in experiencing the Northern Lights in the UK. By keeping an eye on solar activity and being in the right location, you may just find yourself under a sky filled with vibrant colors, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Happy aurora hunting!