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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Chicago Astronomer Joe quoted on the Northern Lights
in the Chicago Sun-Times

05 August 2010

A succinct nice little mention on the CMEs and resulting Aurora Borealis reaching south.

The on-line article is slightly different from the print edition...

www.suntimes.com/news/metro/2568366,CST-NWS-borealis05.article

I dig them both...

[Paulie pchris00]

I like the online version better. Love the quote, though.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I'm going to do some aurora spotting this evening at Chicago Astronomer Research Site #1 by the lakefront.

The current coronal oval is stretching as far south as downstate Illinois at this time....

It's highly doubtful if I can view any aurorae, but worth a try over dark Lake Michigan skies. Maybe time exposures will bring out the faint displays.

For those who wish to seek the lights out, look for faint undulating sheets of light, most likely in the dim green hue. If in the city of Chicago, look to the Northwest, over the Lake where the light pollution is less. All others should look due north, if away from intrusive lighting.

Best after midnight, when the Earth's dark side faces toward open space.

And...

Might just catch some early Perseids too.

Going to test out the astronomical app on the LG Ally Android Smartphone and see how well they work and are useful.