Bright Mid-Latitude Auroras 2024
In 2024, over 30 Aurora Borealis were recorded from Central Europe as the solar activity of the current solar cycle gets to its maximum. About 12 of the auroras were observable even to the naked eye and I was lucky to capture them across Czechia and Slovakia (latitude ~50 degrees north). In this collection, the vertical timeline contains circular marks corresponding with the dates of the mentioned auroras, which are shown in the circles. Larger circle, better visual visibility. Also, the colors show the intensity of the observed aurora during the time of the observation. While dark orange refers to active geomagnetic storms (G2), bright orange refers to the strong ones (up to G3), and red colors the severe to extreme ones (G4+). The timeline also slightly points on the Russell-McPherron effect which favors the auroras during spring and autumn. Also, you can see some of the auroras occured during the Perseid meteor shower.
Some people may think that a higher number of auroras means unexpectedly high solar activity. In fact, a much bigger effect has now NASA and NOAA warnings through social media, smartphone apps, and space weather websites with their own warning system. Along with more and more sensitive cameras of smartphones, it is much easier to be warned of the aurora as well as to capture it (if weather permits). This is what people should understand with this image too – in a description.
For all captured auroras in the mosaic, you can browse particular settings in their dedicated galleries.
Bright Mid-Latitude Auroras 2024 – Collection
