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Wednesday, May 06, 2015

 

Aurora Watch (6-7 May)

An Aurora Watch and a geomagnetic alert has been issued by the Australian IPS for the 6th to 7th due to an anticipated impact from a Coronal Mass Ejection. This could translate into aurora at any time during the 6th to 7th (quite possibly after midnight on the 6th). Geomagnetic activity is rated at active with the possibility of a minor geomagnetic storm.

Aurora, if they occur, are likely to be seen only in Tasmania (possibly Victoria if the minor storm eventuates), but in the last unexpected storm they were seen in WA as well.

Aurora can occur at any time after nightfall (although around midnight or just after seems to be common). Dark sky sites have the best chance of seeing anything, and always allow around 5 minutes for your eyes to become dark adapted.

As always look to the south for shifting red/green glows, beams have been reported consistently over the last few aurora and a large green "blob" has been seen.

Unfortunately the nearly full Moon will interfere substantially with any aurora. If viewing in the morning, watch out for the eta Aquariid meteor shower.
http://astroblogger.blogspot.com/2015/05/eta-aquariid-meteor-shower-7-9-may-2015.html
The all sky aurora camera in Southern Tasmania at Cressy may be helpful.
<http://www.ips.gov.au/Geophysical/4/2>

GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY FORECAST
06 May:  Active
07 May:  Quiet to Unsettled


SUBJ: IPS AURORA WATCH
ISSUED AT 2332 UT ON 04 May 2015 BY IPS RADIO AND SPACE SERVICES
FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE

A Coronal Mass Ejection is expected to impact the Earth during May
6-7, possibly resulting in significant space weather activity and
visible auroras during local nighttime hours. Aurora alerts will
follow should favourable space weather activity eventuate.

Further monitoring at
http://www.ips.gov.au

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