Aurora Chasing for Beginners
🌌 Know the Basics
The aurora borealis (northern lights) appears when solar particles collide with Earth’s upper atmosphere. To see them, you need dark skies, the right conditions, and a bit of luck.
📊 Watch the Data
- Kp Index: A value of Kp 5+ means auroras might be visible at mid-latitudes.
- Bz: Look for negative values (southward) for better chances.
- Hemispheric Power: Above 50 GW usually indicates strong auroral activity.
- Cloud cover: Clear skies are essential—use satellite imagery or weather apps.
📍 Get to a Good Location
Head away from city lights. The darker your surroundings, the better. Northern-facing views and open horizons help too. If you're near a body of water, reflections can double the show.
📷 Photographing the Aurora
Use a tripod, shoot with a wide-angle lens, and start with 5–10 second exposures at ISO 1600–3200. Manual focus to infinity. Experiment with your settings until you find the right balance.
🧠 Final Tips
- Bring warm clothes—aurora nights can be long and cold.
- Be patient. Sometimes auroras start slow and explode minutes later.
- Use red flashlights to preserve night vision.