Moonlit Shetland Aurora

Although the weather forecast was for complete cloud it actually cleared a bit enough to show an Aurora, The 94% moon didn't help but this was a strong Aurora, KP5 if you go by the alert but also a Red Alert

I nipped down to Sandsayre just a few mins away as i could see stars on leaving the house and i knew cloud was on its was in

It was already an orange Alert when i left and i could just about make out the Aurora with the eye but a quick photo comfirmed a lot of green showing 

Didn't see  anyone else around but alot of Aurora Hunters ventured out during the night

I like moonlight with the Aurora, it lights the foreground with a nice soft light so no need to light with a torch

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Aurora incoming - but where

This week has been very disappointing firstly because of the amount of cloud and rain that has blocked out the Aurora

I managed to get out on Sunday with the weather forecast indicating part clear skies, i only got a glimmer of the Aurora in a slim band over Bigton.

The other problem has been that the large surges have occurred during the day, even a purple alert but no good for watchers as its too light.

Nights are drawing out and its getting later when its dark but March has always been a good month to see the Mirrie dancers but the moon is also getting bigger so creating more light pollution

So the ideal night would be

> very active Aurora

> clear skies

> no wind

> new Moon

> reasonable time of night

> time to go out an experience the aurora

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Aurora and the Moon

 Last night the Aurora appeared yet again but it coincided with a 90% Moon. Not the best for photographing as it washes out the green.

It was still very worth while getting out in the cold, for once the weather forecast was correct and it was 95% clear.

Not a lot of ice about which was good.

I went down to Sandsayre not chancing a trip over to the west side just in case of icy roads. As soon as i stepped out of the car i found out there was no wind, another bonus

Starting at the boats the green arch of the Aurora was just about visible to the eye as it moved to Red Alert.

Now clearly visible to the naked eye

I moved down to the jetty and beyond and it was nice to have some waves crashing on the rocks

The stats stayed strong until about 11pm then faded but by midnight it came strong again, this time catching out Glendale who didn't predict this surge

I was long in bed by then 

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