12
OCT
2024

Chasing the lights

I was out at dusk training for an upcoming marathon when I noticed the a big auroral display filling the sky. Pillars of reds and green were clearly visible, despite the glow form the setting sun. With 5k still to run, I set off as fast as I could to get back home and grab the...
08
JUN
2024

Purple Aurora

I’d been keeping my eyes glued to the aurora forecast eagerly awaiting the arrival of multiple X class CME’s from giant sunspot group AR 3664. The animation below shows the development of the gigantic structure as it made it’s way across the Sun’s surface....
07
MAR
2016
Aurora Borealis from Yorkshire, England

Aurora season

Spring is aurora season, and just before midnight last night a display of the northern lights lit up the sky. Taking a test shot from the window confirmed the alert from my phone app, so I headed out the door. The display had already started to subside once I’d defrosted...
18
MAR
2015
aurora borealis

Aurora through the mist

Last night a solar storm hit Earth producing one of the strongest auroras of this solar cycle. Unfortunately for me, a misty evening drowned out much of the show. All but for 20 minutes when the silent display flared up strongly enough for me to catch a glimpse…
26
JUL
2014
noctilucent clouds UK july 2014

Noctilucent Clouds

Living in northern Europe has a few drawbacks when it comes to astrophotography. The high latitude means we struggle to see many of the best constellations. And for a couple of months a year, the summer sky stays blue throughout the night, making astrophotography impossible. But...
28
FEB
2014

Northern lights

The Aurora Borealis is a pretty rare sight from England. The last time I saw one was back in January 2005! Last night however, everything came together and the illusive northern lights showed up once more. I know from experience that it pays to check if any auroras are forecast...
22
JAN
2005
aurora in selby, yorkshire 2005

2005 Aurora

A spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis as seen form North Yorkshire in January 2005. This satellite image shows the extent of the Northern Lights over the UK and Northern Europe on the night of the 21st January. Thankfully I was just on the right side of a large bank of...