Recently, Coloradans have been captivated by breathtaking views of the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Capture this stunning natural display has become a delightful challenge for many, especially since seeing them with the naked eye is often tough without the right conditions.
This week, a powerful geomagnetic solar storm reached a G-4 level, marking it as one of the most impressive auroras Colorado has experienced in years. Such a storm, rated on a scale from 1 to 5, can disrupt satellite tracking and power systems while making the northern lights visible much farther south than usual.
For those wishing to see the lights, the best viewing times are from 8 to 11 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Here are a few tips for capturing photos of the magical skies:
- Use a tripod to keep your camera steady. Even slight movements can cause blurriness.
- Set your exposure time to its longest option, which might be about 10 seconds in ideal conditions.
- For iPhone users, access advanced settings, select the moon icon, and slide to “Max” for maximum exposure. In case of urban light pollution, lower your exposure to 3-5 seconds.
- Android users should switch to “Pro” mode, setting the ISO to around 50 and the shutter speed to at least 8 seconds.
- To reduce movement when taking the photo, use the button on connected headphones or set a timer.
Coloradans have shared remarkable photos. For instance, Dale Atchinson captured a stunning image over Lake Loveland. Many others from various locations, including the Denver metro area and as far south as Colorado Springs, reported glimpsing the aurora, which is rare.
Social media has been buzzing with excitement. Many users are sharing their northern lights photos, sparking reactions of awe and wonder within the community. Comments are full of fascination, with some sharing tips and others simply expressing gratitude for witnessing such beauty.
This recent event has caught the attention of scientists as well. Research from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center suggests that events like these are becoming more frequent due to the sun entering an active cycle. Such solar activity can drastically change how and when these stunning displays can be seen by people across wider regions, potentially leading to more sightings in the coming months.
In summary, this captivating display of the aurora borealis has brought Coloradans together, creating shared experiences and memories through both sight and photographic art. If you have captures of this breathtaking phenomenon, consider sharing them with CBS Colorado.
Source link
Northern Lights
