Just a Little Light Show in New Hampshire
While working on some other projects, I received multiple alerts on my Space Weather Live app about the KP index, which can suggest that the Northern Lights, aka Aurora Borealis, may be visible. I was already tired from a busy day, but the Aurora on a clear night close to a full moon isn’t common. I let Mountain Goat know I’d be going out to see it.
The KP Index was projected to be 5, which is good, not excellent, but it is only suggestive, not indicative, and even when the various measurements show only moderate or even poor conditions, the aurora may be visible, and vice versa. No matter the forecasts, nothing is ever promised, and it can be a futile effort going to a remote location only to find dark skies with no lights.
As a bonus, the Perseids meteor shower is ramping up with a peak coming up August 12-13, so I hoped I might be able to capture one or two.
First Maine Aurora
I always watch the aurora forecasts closely, but it didn't appear there would be anything to get excited about in the next few days. Plus, the moon is close to full. So imagine my surprise when I was winding down for bed last night and got an aurora alert. I immediately got up, threw my gear together and flew out the door.
Lightning in Maine
Being in a new location (western Maine), I'm still learning places to take photos when the weather is acting up. Something as unpredictable as lightning is an added challenge, as it can come from many directions, and, of course, one never knows exactly where or when it will strike.