Posted by Jim DeWitt on December 3, 2012 at 5:43 PM
If you've an inclination to try photographing aurora borealis, this is a good winter to make the attempt. We are nearly a solar maximum, when the solar storms that cause aurora are at their peaks. So aurora activity is unusually strong. You can check out the aurora forecast at the Geophysical Institute's website.
Of course, it also takes clear skies, and this winter is unusually clear and dry. The jet streams are pulling cold air down from the north, keeping the sky cloudless (and largely snowless, unfortunately). So the chances of seeing good displays are quite good at present.
The tradeoff for the clear skies is that it is quite cold. You should be prepared for temperatures in the -35 to -45 F range. The clear skies that make viewing possible dictate the cold temperatures, at least until mid-March. And who knows what the weather will be then. The temperatures are not unmanageable; they just require planning and caution.
If anyone is interested, email me privately and I'll provide links to more resources.
Jim,
Hang in there, it looks like its still going to be awhile before Fairbanks thaws out! the cold (and the lack on snow) is starting to where on us here in Anchorage, though its tropical compared to you guys!
Carl
Discussion
1 repliesOf course, it also takes clear skies, and this winter is unusually clear and dry. The jet streams are pulling cold air down from the north, keeping the sky cloudless (and largely snowless, unfortunately). So the chances of seeing good displays are quite good at present.
The tradeoff for the clear skies is that it is quite cold. You should be prepared for temperatures in the -35 to -45 F range. The clear skies that make viewing possible dictate the cold temperatures, at least until mid-March. And who knows what the weather will be then. The temperatures are not unmanageable; they just require planning and caution.
If anyone is interested, email me privately and I'll provide links to more resources.
Hang in there, it looks like its still going to be awhile before Fairbanks thaws out! the cold (and the lack on snow) is starting to where on us here in Anchorage, though its tropical compared to you guys!
Carl