Aurora Watch (17-18 April)

An Aurora Watch and a geomagnetic alert has been issued by the Australian IPS for the 17th (yes tonight) to the 18th due to a high speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole. Given long lasting effects for the unexpected aurora on the 15th (which lasted into the morning of the 16th) and the bursts of geomagnetic activity that occurred during daylight hours today this could translate into aurora at any time. Geomagnetic activity is rated at “unsettled to active with isolated Minor Storm levels.” Aurora, if they occur, are likely to be seen only in Tasmania (possibly Victoria if the minor storm eventuates), but in the last unexpected storm they were seen in WA as well.

Aurora can occur at any time after nightfall (although around midnight or just after seems to be common). Dark sky sites have the best chance of seeing anything, and always allow around 5 minutes for your eyes to become dark adapted.

As always look to the south for shifting red/green glows, beams have been reported consistently over the last few aurora and a large green “blob” has been seen.

The all sky aurora camera in Southern Tasmania at Cressy may be helpful.
http://www.ips.gov.au/Geophysical/4/2>

GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY FORECAST
17 Apr:  Mostly unsettled to active with minor storm periods possible at high
latitudes

SUBJ: IPS AURORA WATCH
ISSUED AT 0713 UT ON 17 Apr 2015 BY IPS RADIO AND SPACE SERVICES
FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE

A coronal hole solar wind stream has resulted in more significant and
sustained geomagnetic activity than anticipated during the past 24-48
hours with auroras observed in far southern Australian regions, eg
Tasmania. Should this activity continue further auroras may be
observed over these and other mid-high latitude regions tonight.
Aurora alerts will follow should favourable space weather activity
eventuate.

Further monitoring at
http://www.ips.gov.au