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Aurora

Aurora


Postby SteveNorthumberland » Fri Dec 03, 2021 7:32 pm

I will be in the Aviemore area (15th and 16th) and Inverness (17th to 23rd) of this month, should clear sky’s suddenly appear where would be a good place to head to from either above to escape light pollution for a chance to see the Aurora (I’m not looking for Santa 🎅 honest).

Any help greatly appreciated.
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Re: Aurora

Postby jmarkb » Fri Dec 03, 2021 7:56 pm

There are often good aurora photos shot from places along the Moray coast (e.g. Findhorn, Burghead, Lossiemouth).
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Re: Aurora

Postby davekeiller » Fri Dec 03, 2021 7:57 pm

From Aviemore, I would have thought that up the road to the ski centre would be a good bet. The Ciste car park would probably be better than the main ski area.
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Re: Aurora

Postby SteveNorthumberland » Fri Dec 03, 2021 8:15 pm

I should have said I’ll be in the car but not sure how far out you need to get to avoid light pollution.

Or even how obvious the Aurora is to not worry about light pollution.

Lossiemouth sounds a great place back to the coast looking north out to sea.

Obviously gaining height in the Cairngorms could involve snow but both great shouts.

Thanks
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Re: Aurora

Postby jmarkb » Fri Dec 03, 2021 8:50 pm

Not sure how good the ski road would be - the Meall a' Buachaille ridge blocks quite a lot of the northern horizon.
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Re: Aurora

Postby prog99 » Fri Dec 03, 2021 9:02 pm

I live up here. I'd probably want to get a bit higher than ski centre unless its a major storm. Moray coast is the most reliable for when its low on the horizon(or indeed any time).
The photo below was taken nearby on the cromarty firth during a big event last month.

P1020603.jpeg


(Aurora not guaranteed even if the skies are clear)
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Re: Aurora

Postby SteveNorthumberland » Sat Dec 04, 2021 2:18 am

I realise in reality it’s probably a small chance of actually viewing it due to it not happening or it being cloudy etc but if it is happening and it is clear I want a plan in place so I know where I’m going etc

Thankyou all
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Re: Aurora

Postby tigerburnie » Tue Dec 07, 2021 6:11 pm

Predictions for the Friday look good at the moment, Moray coast would be a fair shot.
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Re: Aurora

Postby Sunset tripper » Wed Dec 15, 2021 12:56 am

I would definitely go for somewhere on the Moray Coast.

Garmouth would be my choice, around about a hour drive (on quiet roads) from both Aviemore and Inverness.
IMG-20211204-WA0007.jpg


This is a good place to park up (x marks the parking spot) away from any dwellings, and a fine spot.
IMG-20211204-WA0006.jpg


All the best. :D
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Re: Aurora

Postby Sunset tripper » Wed Dec 15, 2021 1:25 am

That last post doesn't read right!

Where I wrote "on quiet roads" I was meaning - if the roads are quiet.

Cheers :D
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Re: Aurora

Postby SteveNorthumberland » Wed Dec 15, 2021 1:35 am

I’ve got the aurora watch app and was thinking of working my way along the coast if it looks likely, Friday night is forecast to be the clearest so fingers crossed for some activity (and that’s not my flask and blanket).

Thanks for all the suggestions greatly appreciated. 👍
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Re: Aurora

Postby jupe1407 » Thu Dec 16, 2021 7:40 pm

I think the moon will be a problem! It's set to be a full moon this weekend so will need a strong aurora storm to be decent.
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Re: Aurora

Postby SteveNorthumberland » Thu Dec 16, 2021 7:50 pm

I think at the moment although the forecast is for clear skies Friday there is very little magnetic activity … sadly but I’m keeping them crossed 🤞 just in case
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Re: Aurora

Postby SteveNorthumberland » Sun Dec 19, 2021 6:58 pm

I’ve just had an alert from AuroraWatch to say there is minor magnetic activity so see what the cloud situation is and go from there
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