Had a small magnetic storm last night and a nice display off the coast. Anyone here in North America / northern UK like to chase auroras?
Any aurora hunters here?
- Thread starter Candlelight
- Start date
I've only recently caught the aurora hunting bug following last month's CME. We didn't see any here in the northern UK that week, but it has inspired me. I might even invest in a basic set of equipment for astrophotography.
I've got a Nikon D3100 with a basic kit lens but it does the job for what I can afford, plus I get access to a Canon 5D when it's not in use at work (although it's just been assigned to a 10-week film shoot so I won't be playing with it for a while).
For 2013 being a solar maximum year I only really got out twice for proper displays. Bit annoying really!
For 2013 being a solar maximum year I only really got out twice for proper displays. Bit annoying really!
Don't really have to chase them where I live. I just go out to an isolated spot, set the camera up and most of the time if there is any activity, even if my eyes can't see it, the camera will pick it up. Modern cameras are really amazing in that regard. And in general, over the years, camera makers have become friendlier to astronomers and their needs, with Nikon in particular releasing a 60Da with features and a sensor tailored to Astronomy.
In general, you don't really need all that much to capture them. Just a good camera with a good sensor, and some patience. My best results have been when I haven't really been looking for them!
Here's an example of one such time, taken on March 16th, 2012, both at 15 second exposures:
Another, when we were just trying to shoot a constellation in 2010. Bam, there it was! We didn't realize there was even anything out there.
All my astrophotagraphy pictures are done on a Canon 7D.
In general, you don't really need all that much to capture them. Just a good camera with a good sensor, and some patience. My best results have been when I haven't really been looking for them!
Here's an example of one such time, taken on March 16th, 2012, both at 15 second exposures:
Another, when we were just trying to shoot a constellation in 2010. Bam, there it was! We didn't realize there was even anything out there.
All my astrophotagraphy pictures are done on a Canon 7D.
Oh, Northern Ontario, Canada 
Thought I had that in my profile, but guess not. I tend to live in an area with lots of good dark skies.
Thought I had that in my profile, but guess not. I tend to live in an area with lots of good dark skies.
Lucky. I'm at the bottom of New Zealand so I get the other end of it, though not as much. Only really started last year just before winter.
Got the bug now!
Got the bug now!
^ Well if you make it into orbit then your chances of seeing an aurora is greatly increased!
