Ace of Spades HQ

January 09, 2014

Spaced-Out Alert: Northern Lights Potentially Visible Tonight!
— CAC

Very far south, in fact.

I've been playfully mocking you ice-trapped morons for the better part of a week, but now the tables have turned as I am unable to witness a rare sight for much of the United States, the aurora borealis.

Photographer Jeff Berkes snapped this faint aurora from Assateague Island in 2012

Map courtesy Accuweather.com

If you live above approximately latitude 38N, you have a shot at seeing one of the greatest sights of the Arctic. That's because a very powerful earth-facing coronal-mass ejection erupted two days ago, which should push the viewing area of the aurora southward.
I've seen the northern lights myself only once, when I was a small child living in Baltimore. I remember a greenish glow above the horizon that cut through the suburban lights. I really can't stress enough how rare and memorable they are to witness, so if the clouds break and you're above the dotted line, I implore you to go outside and enjoy this rare treat.
The only viewing tip I have is to try to get somewhere away from city lights, and if that's not possible, at least where surrounding lights are blocked or shielded. The cold, drier air over much of the country will enhance the view. Also, if you have little luck in the evening, try again early tomorrow morning: the nuisance we call a moon will have set long before then.

Posted by: CAC at 01:00 PM | Comments (73)
Post contains 250 words, total size 2 kb.

1 Aurora Borealis?

I'd hit it.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at January 09, 2014 01:04 PM (8ZskC)

2 Not far south enough.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at January 09, 2014 01:06 PM (YEelc)

CAC- you aurora tease!*

I'm in the Not Visible area.

Posted by: Darth Randall at January 09, 2014 01:07 PM (Zswg6)

4 1 Aurora Borealis? I'd hit it. --- It DOES sound like a good porn name.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 09, 2014 01:07 PM (/Crba)

5 I remember seeing as a kid when I lived in Wales. Pretty awesome.

Posted by: Schwalbe: The Me-262© at January 09, 2014 01:08 PM (9Bdcz)

6 Cool beans! I'm just at the edge of the "Fair" area.

crap.. I just checked.. CLOUDY!

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at January 09, 2014 01:08 PM (f9c2L)

7 The only viewing tip I have is to try to get somewhere away from city lights Light noise can really impair an otherwise awesome viewing experience.

Posted by: Blacksheep at January 09, 2014 01:09 PM (bS6uW)

8 A few years ago they extended south into Ohio on a warm night in late October. The everyone in the neighborhood was out in their yards looking at it. It was incredibly beautiful. Tonight it is overcast and snowing, so the chance of seeing Aurora Borealis here in "central Ohio" is about zip.

Posted by: Ribald Conservative riding Orca at January 09, 2014 01:09 PM (RFeQD)

9 >>>Spaced-Out Alert: Northern Lights Moving South Tonight

Very far south, in fact.<<<

Thank me.

Posted by: Polar Vortex at January 09, 2014 01:10 PM (DCXZR)

10 I saw the Northern Lights during the 80s in Minot, ND. Even with all the lights on the flight line, they were still brilliant.

Posted by: Elinor at January 09, 2014 01:11 PM (TCqhy)

I'm in Poorland.

Stupid polar vortex.

Posted by: BurtTC at January 09, 2014 01:11 PM (TOk1P)

12 Thank me.
Posted by: Polar Vortex

Bitch, please.

Posted by: The Sun at January 09, 2014 01:11 PM (YEelc)

13 NE Iowa is in the viewing area, but the cloud cover is unlikely to break up tonight. May be tomorrow. I've seen them up in the UP, big sky country, and once, about 40 years ago, here on my home turf; and it is indeed a wonder to behold the aurora. Worth standing out in the cold, good all in the vewing areas.

Posted by: Angel with a sword at January 09, 2014 01:11 PM (hpgw1)

14 *stamps wee feet* I wanna see! I wanna see! Of course, I don't wanna see enough to go far enough North to see them but still.

Posted by: alexthechick - Come to us, oh mighty SMOD at January 09, 2014 01:12 PM (VtjlW)

15 I WISH we could see it, but right now we're alternating between FOG, SNOW, and HAIL. I was fortunate to see the Northern Lights when I lived in Vermont. Wasn't even trying to see them, they were just there. Pretty damned cool. Must be amazing to go some place for optimal viewing.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at January 09, 2014 01:12 PM (zDsvJ)

16 I saw them as a teenager when up in the tetons, awesome.

Posted by: Jean at January 09, 2014 01:14 PM (4JkHl)

17 Excited. I'm just south of the bottom of the "good" area that peeks into Colorado. Got a 10,000 pass just 4 miles away which affords a view to the North. Woohoo!

Posted by: Meremortal at January 09, 2014 01:14 PM (1Y+hH)

18 I wonder if they can see the Aurora over at The Federalist?

Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at January 09, 2014 01:14 PM (eHIJJ)

19 I've seen the northern lights myself only once, when I was a small child living in Baltimore. I remember a greenish glow above the horizon that cut through the suburban lights. I really can't stress enough how rare and memorable they are to witness, so if the clouds break and you're above the dotted line, I implore you to go outside and enjoy this rare treat.

------------------

We saw them once from our cabin in the U.P.

Truly a wondrous experience.

Posted by: grammie winger at January 09, 2014 01:15 PM (P6QsQ)

20 I want CAC fired because all the maps he posts show it always sucks in my area.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 09, 2014 01:15 PM (oFCZn)

21 Seven degrees tonight, partly cloudy, chance of snow.
better than clear sky and minus seventeen. Viewing would have been good last five days or so, when properly suited up.

Posted by: Miky Makula at January 09, 2014 01:15 PM (jwufW)

22 Stupid question: The gas giant planets, Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, and Uranus, are called that becuase they are made of gas. I've always assumed the low temperatures that far out caused the gas to be frozen into solids but I saw a show the other day that says that Jupiter's geological activity creates more heat than it receives from the sun. So what is the nature of these planets?

Posted by: WalrusRex at January 09, 2014 01:16 PM (Hx5uv)

23 By the way CAC, my son really enjoys the Pentax binoculars you recommended a few months back. They were his Number One listed Christmas gift. Thanks for picking a winner!

Posted by: Elinor at January 09, 2014 01:16 PM (TCqhy)

24 14 *stamps wee feet* Posted by: alexthechick - Come to us, oh mighty SMOD at January 09, 2014 05:12 PM (VtjlW) If those wee feet are encased in onesie material, I've got a cup of hot cocoa sitting by the USB port just waiting to go.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 09, 2014 01:16 PM (oFCZn)

25 Is there a reason that viewing is better in the Dakotas than in Saskatchewan? According to my map, Canada is farther north (although the New York Times may disagree on this).

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at January 09, 2014 01:18 PM (8ZskC)

26 Texas. Screwed over again.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 09, 2014 01:18 PM (NKBxV)

27
OT but hey, CAC -

Did you see where Gov Walker got called for jury duty? He's serving.

Posted by: grammie winger at January 09, 2014 01:18 PM (P6QsQ)

28 Saw them in Fairbanks in '76. I opened for them, actually. Went outside on band break and saw huge curtains waving as if I was below them. Red mostly, then green a little later. Shimmering, waving, and occasionally a blast of particles would strike the "curtain and thow tiny pinpricks of light across the larger parts. Beyond description for a poor writer like me.

Posted by: Meremortal at January 09, 2014 01:18 PM (1Y+hH)

29 I saw them as a teenager when up in the tetons, awesome.

Now, when you say "up in the tetons", you mean......

Posted by: Perv desperately trying to read something into an otherwise innocent statement at January 09, 2014 01:18 PM (6TB1Z)

If you have never seen the classic "rustling curtains" auroral display, get your ass up to Alberta, Canada, which has lots of clear (and bitterly cold) winter nights. You will never forget it. I used to laugh at people who said you could actually HEAR the curtains when they moved - until I heard them too! Yipes!

Posted by: Ray Van Dune at January 09, 2014 01:19 PM (TQbuA)

31 Jupiter's geological activity creates more heat than it receives from the sun. So what is the nature of these planets?

Um, they're full of stars?

Whatevs.

Posted by: Dave Bowman at January 09, 2014 01:19 PM (8ZskC)

32 Stupid question: The gas giant planets, and Uranus, Joke in there somewhere...

Posted by: rickb223 at January 09, 2014 01:19 PM (NKBxV)

33 I saw the northern lights several times, while stationed at Sondrestrom, Greenland - oh, but they were spectacular and eerie. It looked like a translucent electric green silk scarf, twisting, rippling and blowing in a galactic wind. Alas, I'm in South Texas - too far south to see it this time around.

Posted by: Sgt. Mom at January 09, 2014 01:20 PM (Asjr7)

34 Look at the colors, man!

Posted by: garrett at January 09, 2014 01:20 PM (6oxVD)

35 The gas giant planets, and Uranus,

Joke in there somewhere...

Burritos are doubtless involved.

Posted by: pep at January 09, 2014 01:20 PM (6TB1Z)

36 Seen it many times (live in far northern MN). Looking forward to tonight.

Posted by: Foghorn Leghorn at January 09, 2014 01:21 PM (EUXxx)

37 I saw them as a teenager when up in the tetons, awesome. Now, when you say "up in the tetons", you mean...... Couldn't see anything down in the bush.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 09, 2014 01:21 PM (NKBxV)

38 Saw them several times when I lived and worked in northern Canada. One time I swore I could hear them, but people said I was nuts. Sounded like a crackling, radio static sound. I've recently read that researchers have recorded sounds but debate what the cause is.

Posted by: chuckinseattle at January 09, 2014 01:21 PM (w/ZL5)

39 If you have never seen the classic "rustling curtains" auroral display... Yes, that's it. And yes I heard them. ZZZZzzzt!

Posted by: Meremortal at January 09, 2014 01:22 PM (1Y+hH)

40 Aurora Borealis walks into a disco bar.

Posted by: polynikes at January 09, 2014 01:23 PM (m2CN7)

41 Damn it, CAC.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 09, 2014 01:23 PM (DhGW2)

42 I saw Aurora Borealis open for Flock of Seagulls at the Cow Palace in '81.

Posted by: Dave Bowman at January 09, 2014 01:23 PM (8ZskC)

43 In all honesty, the aurora borealis is on my bucket list. Someday.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 09, 2014 01:23 PM (NKBxV)

44 The FSM hates you and wants to go "full Nipponese" on your Nihilistic, telescope-loving ass.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 09, 2014 01:23 PM (DhGW2)

45 Damn, I just watched a few Swans set down in the river behind the house. One was wearing jewelry. Never seen a banded Swan before.

Posted by: garrett at January 09, 2014 01:24 PM (6oxVD)

46 "Photographer Jeff Berkes snapped this faint aurora from Assateague Island in 2012" Figures * 2.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 09, 2014 01:25 PM (DhGW2)

47 Thanks for the heads up.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette: Winter Borscht at January 09, 2014 01:25 PM (IXrOn)

48 Strong displays of aurora boree-whatsis are evidence of global warming!

Posted by: Etheral Moonglow, enviro researcher to the stars at January 09, 2014 01:26 PM (1Y+hH)

49 I live south of CAC, so I'm SOL.

Posted by: gm at January 09, 2014 01:26 PM (/kBoL)

50 You know, CAC, krakatoa is a much better coblogger than you.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 09, 2014 01:26 PM (DhGW2)

51 Not as good as Russ from Winterset, though. Of course.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 09, 2014 01:27 PM (DhGW2)

52 In Peruvia, the Aurora Borealis is lyrically known as the "Fart Wind of the Unicorn."

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at January 09, 2014 01:27 PM (8ZskC)

53 Posted by: rickb223 at January 09, 2014 05:23 PM (NKBxV) If you catch it right, it will be a lifetime highlight. I mean, the David is always there. Hopefully.

Posted by: Etheral Moonglow, enviro researcher to the stars at January 09, 2014 01:28 PM (1Y+hH)

54 50 You know, CAC, krakatoa is a much better coblogger than you. Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 09, 2014 05:26 PM (DhGW2) There's nothing wrong with CAC aside from The Federalist and The Pot.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 09, 2014 01:29 PM (oFCZn)

55 Nothing riles up the Snow Weasel like the Borealis. They get downright vicious. Be careful out there.

Posted by: garrett at January 09, 2014 01:30 PM (6oxVD)

56 "54 50 You know, CAC, krakatoa is a much better coblogger than you. Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 09, 2014 05:26 PM (DhGW2) There's nothing wrong with CAC aside from The Federalist and The Pot. Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 09, 2014 05:29 PM (oFCZn)" The Federalist, the pot, and all his posts. That's about it, though. :-P

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 09, 2014 01:30 PM (DhGW2)

57 Newed non-controversial Ace post up.

Posted by: Countrysquire at January 09, 2014 01:31 PM (LSJmV)

58 Well, all the posts I have to read. His posts at the Federalist are more tolerable. :-P

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 09, 2014 01:32 PM (DhGW2)

59 Of course, the best way to read a CAC post is not to. Although that's a skill which requires a lot of practice, as he can post at any time.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 09, 2014 01:33 PM (DhGW2)

60 I was stationed in Keflivik Iceland from 72 to 74 and we used to get the Auroras all the time up there. Course, we would also get about six months of night too.

Posted by: LFW - Honorary Pointy Eared Vulcan at January 09, 2014 01:33 PM (sPO/s)

61 Excellent. :-)

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at January 09, 2014 01:34 PM (DhGW2)

62
I heard if the women expose their breasts for 3 minutes to the northern lights they grow a cup size overnight.

I suggest all women in the zone do this tonight. outside. for scientific purposes. take before and after pictures. jot down findings. submit all to aoshq ont.

Its Science!

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at January 09, 2014 01:34 PM (n0DEs)

63 It's above 0, it's clear maybe I'll see it & now I'm playfully mocking you that you can't see it.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 09, 2014 01:38 PM (HVff2)

64
I want CAC fired because all the maps he posts show it always sucks in my area.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 09, 2014 05:15 PM (oFCZn)

CAC's maps always suck because he refuses to give us plaid.

The lights are doubly memorable for me because the first time I saw them was at about 3am while I was shivering in a foxhole in Ft Greely, AK.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 09, 2014 01:45 PM (TIIx5)

65 This appears to be not visible below Mason-Dixon Line

#notfair!

Posted by: ChristyBlinky survived 2014 Polar Vortex at January 09, 2014 01:46 PM (baL2B)

66 Fascinating at first but the northern lights actually get in the way of a lot of imaging when they get really cranked up, e.g. the last solar max. I lost what would have been the best evah IC 342 galaxy color shot because the aurora cranked up while I was shooting the color channel data to overlay with the high S/N B&W image. The thing would have looked somewhat like M83 from what parts of the frame I could salvage. For that matter, the northern lights got so brilliant during that time frame, I overexposed some shots of it in the burbs, not from the streetlights, but the aurora itself. Oh well. Just for giggles, here's one that was properly exposed from our dark sky imaging site: http://www.concentric.net/~richmann/aurora.htm

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent at January 09, 2014 02:04 PM (PMGbu)

67 ABA where where you at the time when you took that shot? The aurora looks incredible!

Posted by: CAC at January 09, 2014 02:14 PM (4htUE)

68 IF the snow clears out and the sky is visible tonight, a big IF, I am technically in a visible zone, but surrounded by mountains. Will it be higher up in the sky or close to the horizon line? Ans what is a good time of night to attempt a viewing? Want to see but not freezing my butt off is a priority.

Posted by: Rachel Maddoh at January 09, 2014 02:27 PM (BF+2f)

69 Our shooting site was the back of glider school trailer at the Hinkley airport a few miles west of Hinkley, IL. The backside because the frontside saw the highway and the Burlington Northern rail line. The camera direction is looking towards Dekalb. This was one of the milder aurorae around that time. One night I went out to shoot and ended up just sitting on the telescope ladder drinking a coke because it was far too bright out to shoot. That aurora turned out to be visible down to Texas.

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent at January 09, 2014 02:27 PM (PMGbu)

70 Now you kids get out of my yard...

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent at January 09, 2014 02:37 PM (PMGbu)

71 I'm at 40Âº N, but in the Poor area. It's partly cloudy now, but supposed to get progressively worse through the evening. I'll keep checking out the window, though. Interestingly, the CME caused the postponement of the launch of the Cygnus cargo ship to the ISS on Wednesday. There was concern that the increased radiation flux might affect the Antares rocket's electronics during the ascent. It launched successfully this afternoon.

Posted by: rickl at January 09, 2014 03:10 PM (sdi6R)

72 I was talking with a deputy director of NASA a couple of weeks ago, and he was telling me that in 2018 they plan to send a robot out to capture an asteroid, bring it back and park it in a lunar orbit. How cool is that? My only though is why weren't we doing this two decades ago. In fact, why didn't we have a lunar colony thirty years ago? Short sighted human politicians.
*grits teeth and hates on politicians, all of them*

Posted by: LFW - Honorary Pointy Eared Vulcan at January 09, 2014 06:52 PM (SudzO)

73 I didn't see shit.

Posted by: Corona at January 10, 2014 05:42 AM (fh2Y7)

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