Impromtu Aurora Chase
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2014 4:03 pm
I haven't completely developed a case of Aurora Mania but thought I might ask if others are considering an impromptu Aurora Chase?
Aurora are fickle. The moon is 80% full and rising at 9:40pm leaving only about 40 minutes of true darkness. The skies are iffy; forecasts are maybe less cloudy to the South than North.
However the KP may be 6 and it's been a while; maybe a short drive is worth the gamble? Is this a case of just do it?
Those to the North have the usual options. Crex Meadows being a recent favorite although ClearSkyClock has it only clearing after midnight.
Those to the Southwest and West could probably make it to Baylor Park but you should know this is not a public night and ELO is reserved for outreach. So Aurora hunters will have to make do with other parts of the park. See viewtopic.php?f=18&t=7821
Those of us to the South East and East could head to where? JJ Casby, Belwin, random road side stop further out past River falls?
I could head to CGO but I think its more time and distance than I want to gamble.
Metcalf by CSC is Partly cloudy and maybe not the darkest but I can check the weather before I leave, 8pm to 10 pm seems ok, Not too far ... sounds like a winner!
Or has anyone got a better offers? I can carpool with someone, maybe talk a little astronomy and travel a little further out of the light dome of the cities.
Aurora are fickle. The moon is 80% full and rising at 9:40pm leaving only about 40 minutes of true darkness. The skies are iffy; forecasts are maybe less cloudy to the South than North.
However the KP may be 6 and it's been a while; maybe a short drive is worth the gamble? Is this a case of just do it?
Those to the North have the usual options. Crex Meadows being a recent favorite although ClearSkyClock has it only clearing after midnight.
Those to the Southwest and West could probably make it to Baylor Park but you should know this is not a public night and ELO is reserved for outreach. So Aurora hunters will have to make do with other parts of the park. See viewtopic.php?f=18&t=7821
Those of us to the South East and East could head to where? JJ Casby, Belwin, random road side stop further out past River falls?
I could head to CGO but I think its more time and distance than I want to gamble.
Metcalf by CSC is Partly cloudy and maybe not the darkest but I can check the weather before I leave, 8pm to 10 pm seems ok, Not too far ... sounds like a winner!
Or has anyone got a better offers? I can carpool with someone, maybe talk a little astronomy and travel a little further out of the light dome of the cities.