Northern Lights

[scz4]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-is...

Does anyone have any more informaiton on when the best viewing of this is likely to happen with the current weather?

We went to Iceland a couple of years ago, but saw nothing more than a slight greeny coloured cloud. It's definitely something I want to tick off the "list".

[Great Pretender]

Have you tried here?

http://www.useyourlocal.com/pubs/AB24+2EU/northern...

[istoo]

yon hill at back of my house is excellent;)

Getting a clear night is key along with avoiding light polution, it is bad where you live. I used to drive to the top of Brimmond hill when i lived in Kingswells, watched a few eclipse, sunrises and aurora from there. Not sure if the gate is locked these days but its close open and high, but a lot of light to the east obviously.

If its good this weekend i will give you a shout

[scz4]

istoo said:

Not sure if the gate is locked these days but its close open and high

It is, I was up there on Sat on the bike. I can't imagine it would be good with the amount of light and glare from the city, Kingswells and Westhill. I'm sure if I head 2 or 3 minutes west from my house it would be perfect, just need to know when

[Kiltie]

I think much of the NE is forecast to be cloudy tonight.

I'm led to believe that parts of the Moray Coast are set to be clear though with Elgin and surroundings being a good bet.

So, I reckon you should take a drive up the road and have your tea in the Skerry Brae.

scz4 said:

... just need to know when

I don't think there's an optimum time - it's just any time after darkness.

Cheers,

Eric

Edited by Kiltie on Thursday 17th February 13:53

[northo]

I've seen them three or four times in Thurso, once and St.Andrews and as far south as Dumfries. Magic.

[alfa pint]

Saw some spectacular shows in Norway a few years ago, but never been lucky in Scotland. Suspect west coast cloud cover and too much light pollution to be the cause.

[a11y_m]

Living 3 miles from Grangemouth doesn't help me in terms of light (or general, I suppose) pollution. But I've been up in the Ochils behind the uni towards the Sherrifmuir Inn and had a decent view of them from there. Also had a great display when out around the North Third reservoir west of Stirling.

[thinfourth2]

Can't see a thing in the middle of nowhere 20 miles south of aberdeen

[Scotfox]

Nothing in Alness either

[Allandwf]

I've only managed to see them twice in scotland. Once in fife many tears ago, when a mate banged on the door and told me to come out and look, about 2 in the morning! and once here in Forfar, just a couple of years ago.

[istoo]

creationracing said:

Woud Brimmond Hill be a good viewing spot then? Would have thought there would be a bit too much light pollution from the city?

Might be able to lay my hands on a key...

there is a fair bit of light polution yes but get off the side of the hill its geographically west of the majority of the light and gives you a quick height gain. failing that scolty has a tower but is a longish walk. Bennachie is a the back of my house i ride it on the bike at inight very often and have only caught 1 Aurora in 5 years. But saw half a dozen in Kingswells, depends on teh strength of them as well quite a lot but further from the lights the sky is wonderful to look at on a clear night anyway...