Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => Alerts! Questions? Discussions... => Topic started by: JohnP on Aug 23, 2016, 14:45:36

Title: Possible Aurora UK
Post by: JohnP on Aug 23, 2016, 14:45:36
Just got this through on email:

Dear AuroraWatch UK subscriber,

Red alert: aurora likely.

It is likely that aurora will be visible by eye and camera from anywhere
in the UK. Viewing aurora requires clear, dark skies away from light
pollution.

To monitor current activity see http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk.

Issued 2016-08-23 13:25 UTC (14:25 BST) by AuroraWatch UK using SAMNET
LAN2 data from Lancaster, UK.

You received this email because you have previously agreed to receive
AuroraWatch UK alerts. If you no longer wish to receive alerts please
unsubcribe by visiting
Title: Re: Possible Aurora UK
Post by: JohnP on Aug 23, 2016, 14:59:28
Ha just saw this on facebook...

Manual override for red alert.
There is a local disturbance at our Lancaster magnetometer - this is not related to the aurora. Apologies for the inconvenience and we'll let you know when fixed.


Title: Re: Possible Aurora UK
Post by: Carole on Aug 23, 2016, 15:10:17
Got me all excited for a minute there and was trying to work out where to go.

Carole
Title: Re: Possible Aurora UK
Post by: JohnP on Aug 23, 2016, 15:59:13
yep same here - sad isn't it... :-(
Title: Re: Possible Aurora UK
Post by: JohnP on Aug 23, 2016, 16:07:12
Did you see the reason they gave for the false report...

Update: we believe the interference was caused by University staff mowing the grass on a sit-on mower. We'll work with the facilities team to try and avoid an incident such as this occuring in the future!
Title: Re: Possible Aurora UK
Post by: Carole on Aug 23, 2016, 18:20:14
Weird.

Carole
Title: Re: Possible Aurora UK
Post by: Rick on Aug 23, 2016, 19:41:43
Large chunk of metal moving near the magnetometer? That'd do it...
Title: Re: Possible Aurora UK
Post by: Fay on Aug 23, 2016, 22:36:39
funny!
Title: Re: Possible Aurora UK
Post by: MarkS on Aug 24, 2016, 00:05:00
Quote from: Rick
Large chunk of metal moving near the magnetometer? That'd do it...

:)
Title: Re: Possible Aurora UK
Post by: Mike on Aug 25, 2016, 17:03:33
Lawnmower prompts Northern Lights alert (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-37168678)