Chasing the Aurora

[NickFitz]

BBC News - Northern Lights illuminate the UK

Anybody had any luck? I went out just now but, despite a clear sky, there was no sign of it

[scooterscot]

Put your hands over your eyes allowing only the tiniest of dots between fingers with which you can see a part of the sky. Keep em like this for a minute then take them away.

[Troll]

Should have started an "Official CUK Chasing the Aurora" thread ... but just been out in the garden in Kent and clear skies & nada

[EternalOptimist]

those photos look fantastic, but no sign of anything here in W.Manchester

[mudskipper]

those photos look fantastic, but no sign of anything here in W.Manchester

What I haven't worked out is whether you only get those spectacular effects with a camera, or whether you can see that with the naked eye. (I think I mentioned the disappointment of my Icelandic aurora experience!)

[Ticktock]

What I haven't worked out is whether you only get those spectacular effects with a camera, or whether you can see that with the naked eye. (I think I mentioned the disappointment of my Icelandic aurora experience!)

You can see them with the naked eye. Unfortunately, yes it depends on being in the right place at the right time! I can't remember when you went to Iceland, but generally this sort of time of year is the best.

[d000hg]

What I haven't worked out is whether you only get those spectacular effects with a camera, or whether you can see that with the naked eye. (I think I mentioned the disappointment of my Icelandic aurora experience!)

I'm told they really can look like that, but this is VERY rare. We visited Finland inside the Arctic circle and the person who owned the cabin told us he'd seen it look that amazing once in 10 years... literally horizon to horizon swirling patterns of all colours.

Even a more normal display can be seen with a full moon.

[AtW]

That chap should be out any time now, maybe he is already back on here posting tulip ...

[EternalOptimist]

What I haven't worked out is whether you only get those spectacular effects with a camera, or whether you can see that with the naked eye. (I think I mentioned the disappointment of my Icelandic aurora experience!)

Definately the naked eye. You are right to question though, because a lot of atronomy photos have the colours changed or enhanced for various reasons