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Aurora Borealis

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  • 24-05-2008 12:16pm
    #1
    Fabio
    Registered Users Posts: 2,259 ✭✭✭


    Can you see this on transatlantic flights at night or am I being stupid???


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    #2
    highlydebased
    Registered Users Posts: 7,469 ✭✭✭highlydebased


    You can see it pretty much anywhere, I've never seen it unfortunately, far north is most likely where you'll see it. If you're travelling to LAX/SFO on the northerly NATS' theres a good chance of it


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    #3
    Fabio
    Registered Users Posts: 2,259 ✭✭✭Fabio


    Traveling to BOS from SNN. I'd love to see it out of the window in a serene night sky...


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    #4
    Tenger
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 9,884 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tenger


    Fabio wrote: »
    Can you see this on transatlantic flights at night or am I being stupid???

    Yes it can be seen on cloudless nights over the Atlantic,more chance in winter months as its dark for longer on your trip. And assuming the lights are dimmed in the cabin.However it can difficult to see from the cabin due to the smaller windows and as its mostly overhead,you really have to be lucky to glance out during the small window that it may be visible. As stated above a northerly track from LAX/SFO or even ORD gives the best chance of seeing it.
    It can easily be seen from the cockpit with large windows and wide field of vision. have never got a photo of it though.


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    #5
    highlydebased
    Registered Users Posts: 7,469 ✭✭✭highlydebased


    Its possbile......would not be flying very far north in that case but it is possbile. Keep the fingers crossed..!!!


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    #6
    Fabio
    Registered Users Posts: 2,259 ✭✭✭Fabio


    If I happen to catch any photos I'll have them up here...thanks lads.


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    #7
    Tenger
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 9,884 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tenger


    Fabio wrote: »
    If I happen to catch any photos I'll have them up here...thanks lads.

    WHile it may sound stupid: a window seat on the left of the airvcraft would be your best spot. facing north on the return.

    Anytime I have seen it from the cockpit it has been more evident to the 11 o'clock high position.


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    #8
    shayg1971
    Registered Users Posts: 59 ✭✭shayg1971


    Yes, back in March SFO - DUB over Greenland. I was actually on the right (facing South). A sublime show.


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    #9
    Fabio
    Registered Users Posts: 2,259 ✭✭✭Fabio


    Cooooool!!!!


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    #10
    amen
    Registered Users Posts: 2,781 ✭✭✭amen


    you do know you can see it in Ireland if conditions are right?

    I've seen it in Athenry around January 2004 (11pm), Bray October 1992 (around 3.30am on way home from work) and Dec 1992 (around 2:am)


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    #11
    peter1892
    Registered Users Posts: 1,144 ✭✭✭peter1892


    amen wrote: »
    you do know you can see it in Ireland if conditions are right?

    I've seen it in Athenry around January 2004 (11pm), Bray October 1992 (around 3.30am on way home from work) and Dec 1992 (around 2:am)

    Saw it myself in Dublin, either late 1991 or early 1992. Would have been relatively early (before midnight anyway).


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    #12
    Tenger
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 9,884 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tenger


    peter1892 wrote: »
    Saw it myself in Dublin, either late 1991 or early 1992. Would have been relatively early (before midnight anyway).

    Does anyone know if you can get info on predicting its appearence. Are there actual factors in its visibility and strength. Sunspot activity,ambient temp, angle of Earth, recent weather events. I overlook a park and its great at night for seeing stars,less ambient lights from nearby buildings. Obviously a clear sky is good so in theory cloudless winter (darker for longer) nights would be best.


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    #13
    tracker-man
    Closed Accounts Posts: 709 ✭✭✭tracker-man


    Bramble wrote: »
    Does anyone know if you can get info on predicting its appearence. Are there actual factors in its visibility and strength. Sunspot activity,ambient temp, angle of Earth, recent weather events. I overlook a park and its great at night for seeing stars,less ambient lights from nearby buildings. Obviously a clear sky is good so in theory cloudless winter (darker for longer) nights would be best.

    Didn't read this myself but there might be some info you will find useful :)

    http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/Aurora/


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