SUBJ: IPS AURORA WATCH
ISSUED AT 0043 UT ON 21 Aug 2013 BY IPS RADIO AND SPACE SERVICES
FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE
A coronal mass ejection from a solar filament eruption was observed on
the 20th of August and is expected to strike the Earth midway through
the day on the 23rd of August UT (around midnight or early morning on
the 24th of August AEST). The CME was directed mostly to the south, so
this will be a glancing blow at best. However, recent CMEs of solar
filament origin have been more effective at producing Auroras than
might be expected from coronagraph images alone, due to the magnetic
field structures within the ejected plasma behaving differently to
flare produced CMEs and being more favourable for producing Aurora.
Significant uncertainties in the analysis of this event remain, so
Aurora watchers are advised to follow the progress of this event at
http://www.ips.gov.au/.
An Aurora Watch alert is a notification issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) when there is an increased likelihood of an aurora, also known as the Northern Lights, being visible in a specific area. This alert is based on data from satellites and ground-based observatories that monitor space weather conditions.
An Aurora Watch alert is issued when the NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) detects a significant increase in solar activity that could result in auroral activity. The SWPC then sends out a public alert through various channels, such as social media, email, and text messages, to inform people of the potential for viewing the Northern Lights.
An Aurora Watch alert means that there is a chance of seeing the Northern Lights in the designated area. However, it does not guarantee that the aurora will be visible. Factors such as weather conditions, light pollution, and the strength of the aurora itself can affect its visibility.
Aurora Watch alerts are based on scientific data and are generally accurate in predicting the potential for auroral activity. However, the intensity and visibility of the Northern Lights can vary greatly, so it is not always possible to predict exactly how they will appear.
If you receive an Aurora Watch alert, it is recommended to find a dark, unobstructed location away from city lights to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Keep an eye on the sky and be patient, as the aurora may take some time to appear. It is also a good idea to dress warmly and bring a camera to capture the beautiful light show.