Different phases?

[Demonperformer]

On Newsround last night, they were talking about the aurorae caused by the solar storm and were showing pictures taken in Finland. They then said that we would not be able to see the aurorae in the UK, not only because of the cloud, but because of the full moon.

So, if the moon is full in the UK, what phase is it in Finland?

[Mr Q]

It should be the same phase in both places. Though Iv'e seen many aurorae from southern New England in the past 50+ years, I can't remember if any were observed with the Moon in the sky. If the aurora is bright enough, it should be seen, though rather dim.

Knowing news programs here in the US and abroad(?), they sometimes use stock footage (of another display) to explain what they are talking about or simply "dressing up" the news item.

But here's the big IF - if the Moon is near full and the sky is even slightly hazy, the two factors can add up to nothing seen. From the current maps info Iv'e been watching the past few days, the aurora could be seen about 1/3 down from the northern tip of GB - but at the horizon (where more haze is evident).

Maybe this info will help answer your questions. For a current time map of where the aurora is visible, see the below site and check to see if your location is between the red line and the aurora. If so, your chances are good to see it, providing the Moon/hazy sky near the northern horizon is not present.

http://helios.swpc.noaa.gov/ovation/

[ollypenrice]

Heh heh, good point! Maybe (though why should we let them off the hook for this howler?) they just meant that the aurora would be fainter in the UK and thus washed out by the moonlight. Also the moon will be lower in the far north and so marginally less insistent.

Olly