GIF

A bright Gemide meteor accompanied with a weak pink nothern light (Fig 2)

1  2  3

4  5  6

The movement of the northern light.

 Photos were taken around 4.00 UTC. 24mm, ASA 800, 45 sec, Canon 20D, Fuerstenfeldbruck (Bavaria)

Normal light conditions ( Fig.6)

Foregone activity of the sun and the Kp-magnitude

Basics about sightings of Aurora Borealis also known as Northern- or polar lights, in middle latitudes

KP index*: Roughly speaking, auroras can already be observed visually from KP 5-6 (G1/2 storm) in northern Germany. At KP 7/8 (G3/4 storm) or above also in southern Germany (Alps to southern Europe). Among other things, the density and speed of the flares or CME's (earth directed solar mass ejection forms) or corona holes are relevant parameters for the strength of the solar storms and visual sightings. But the Bz value which definite the north- south  alignment of the earth magnetic field ( May 2024, Bz -50nT ) is the most important factor. If this Bz value is to weak, the protons can't invade in the earth magnetic field. By the way, the glowing phenomenon is triggered by 'animated' oxygen and nitrogen atoms. Oxygen up to ~100 km shows greenish and from ~100-200 km red to orange colors. Nitrogen atoms up to ~300 km height shows more seldom purple or blue colors.

For more observations

Polarlicht-Galerie von Thomas Sävert

Polarlicht-Vorhersage für Deutschland