April 11th 2001 Aurora Slide Show
(C)2001 ICSTARS Astronomy, Inc.
With a K index of 7 chances of aurora were about 50/50 in the Kansas City but the weather was not favorable. Winds were averaging a steady 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph reported. A dark spot near Farley, Missouri (northwest of Kansas City) was a perfect place to give it a shot. Despite heavy clouds that opened and closed "holes" the aurora was bright enough to light up the thinner clouds. Our observing session was short - 2:45UT (9:45 pm CDT) until just after 4:00 UT when the sky got even worse and the winds even stronger. The first shot in the show is one of my favorites as it shows our girls braving the winds to watch the light show. Click on any image to start the slide show. |