Possible Aurora UK

[JohnP]

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

[JohnP]

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.

[Carole]

Got me all excited for a minute there and was trying to work out where to go.

Carole

[JohnP]

yep same here - sad isn't it...

[JohnP]

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!

[Carole]

Weird.

Carole

[Rick]

Large chunk of metal moving near the magnetometer? That'd do it...

[Fay]

funny!

[MarkS]

Large chunk of metal moving near the magnetometer? That'd do it...

[Mike]

Lawnmower prompts Northern Lights alert