(To convert the EST timestamp on these emails to GMT, add 5 hours - Webmaster) From: TerryMoselaol.com Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 13:48:57 EST Subject: Aurora Now! Hi all, I've had several reports of an aurora in progress now, including from 'Astrofud' in Birr (Sorry,s/he didnt give his/her name!) and George Brannan in Co Down. This is from sunspot 484--one of the trio of big sunspots that caused intense solar storms last month. Indeed all three of those active regions are back on the Earth-facing side of the Sun, so more solar activity is possible in the days ahead. Clouds have just cleared here in Glengormley, and can see it myself As always, please send in reports! Thanks, Terry Moseley
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 15:18:09 EST Subject: Major Aurora Continues! Hi all, I'm sure most of you know by now, but there has been a major aurora happening since nightfall! It's covering the whole of Ireland! I've had reports from extreme Southern County Cork, and it was seen extending well to the South of the zenith even there! It has been caused by a Coronal Mass Ejection from one of the major sunspots that caused som much activity at the end of October - it has now rotated right round the Sun & back again, and is still firing stuff at us! It's a real mean brute, isn't it? It's a 'Terminator' - as in "I will return", and when it did, it certainly was firing with all barrels! There are lots of reds & greens, as well as whites, and it seems to consist mainly of long bands & rays right up from the horizon to the zenith, often forming a 'corona' there. It's one of the best I've ever seen. And it could go on for a lot longer. And there's no moonlight. So make the best of it! Clear Skies to all, Terry Moseley
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 18:50:46 EST Subject: Aurora subsiding, Hi all, Well, that was some show, wasn't it? I've had reports from all over Ireland - literally. From South Cork it was even seen well to the South of the zenith! And many of you say it's the best you've seen. I would rate it as the second or third best I've seen, but then I've been around longer than most of you... Sorry I can't reply to all your reports - there are just too many! And the phone was going mad too! In fact, at one stage I had to take it off the hook so I could get outside observing in peace! If this sort of thing happens again, you could ring my mobile, 07979 300842, so I can still observe without too many interruptions! To me there was much more colour in this one compared with the previous one, and it extended much further South in the sky - almost to the Southern horizon at one stage. But I didn't see any of the really rapid pulsations & flickerings that were a feature of the previous one. Or maybe I just wasn't looking at the right time? Most of the activity seems to have subsided now (11.30) but there's still a vague glow all over the sky, with a reddish tinge to it as far as I can see from the light-zone of Glengormley! We have been incredibly lucky with two/three major aurorae, and lots of other minor ones, within about 3 weeks! And a couple of good clear nights, and no moonlight! The skygods must be making up for their poor performance for the solar & lunar eclipses (apart from a lucky few!) And as for those huge sunspots, at least one of which is still visible to the unaided eye on its second circuit! - those would have been a treat just on their own! And it may not be over yet! I hardly need tell you it will be worth keeping an eye on the sky for a while longer tonight, and again tomorrow night if it's clear. Please send any reports, if you haven't already done so, and any good photos, to me & for our IAA website: www.btinternet.com/~jimmyaquarius, or just email them to iaa2000
Links:
Aurora Photographs, Oct 2003
Aurora Alert Service
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