- The only word which may describe the event is "amazing."
The last time I witnessed the Aurora was many years ago in the Adirondack
Mountains of extreme Northern New York State. And even then the effect
was less than thrilling. More to the point, that ,inor display was more
than 40 years ago.
-
- Last night in the skies over northern New Jersey and
mid section New York, was the most vivid display of Northern Lights I have
ever witnessed. And I've been looking up for nearly 55 years, beginning
with my 5th birthday.
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- Half the sky was a big red ribbon. Red is unusual in
such copious amounts, especially in these latitudes. In fact, the sky was
literally glowing with a beautiful and deep red. In between the red was
the usual panoply of Aurora colors. From about 7PM to about 10 PM the sky
was alive. Of course, at this latitude, the event was uneven and intermittent.
However such, when the Aurora was in full display, it was unmatched in
history. At least mine.
-
- A call to New York astronomers at the Museum of Natural
History told the rest of the story. Indeed, residents of Northwestern New
Jersey seem to have had the best show. Predominately red followed by green,
white and other colors, the brightness of the display amazed even the most
jaded astronomers. This last solar mass ejection had indeed created the
most dazzling display in the comparatively Southern latitudes, ever.
-
- Tonight will be clear and cool. Whilst unlikely that
the display will be nearly as vivid, it may be there notwithstanding. And
with the sun (well past it's solar maximum) continuing to be active in
historical proportions, there may be yet another display in coming weeks.
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- Amateur radio operators like myself, are being treated
to "skip" conditions on the lower frequencies: 80 and 160 meter
amateur bands, with Europe and even Asian countries copied loud and clear.
I've got my Vibroplex semiautomatic keyer all oiled up and my new TenTek
transceiver tuned on a makeshift rhombic antenna. I make make the WAC
trophy (100 countries worked on 80 and 160 meters EACH) this time around
for sure. Only a few more to go.
-
- One last comment. New York Museum Astronomers told me
that this Aurora was seen from the tops of New York buildings, where the
light was not directly on the observers' eye. And this observer saw that
the North Star, which is a relatively dim magnitude, was completely blotted
out by the Aurora.
-
- I may not go to my grave knowing what UFO's are about,
but I will be able to say, "I saw the Aurora and it was fantastic."
And I also worked 15 more countries on 80 meters with an antenna I started
with a bow, arrow and 75 feet of nylon on the highest pine tree limbs I
could find. Hey, I may even leave that sucker up there. If it works, don't
change it.
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- Jim Mortellaro
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