How to Chase the Aurora Tonight!

Did you miss the aurora this past weekend? No worries! Here's your guide to catching the Northern Lights tonight and planning your aurora adventures for the rest of the year. With us currently at solar maximum, the aurora borealis will be brighter and more active, offering a spectacular display that won't be this consistently bright again for another 11 years!

Step 1: Check Aurora Activity First things first, you need to know when the aurora is active. I highly recommend using Space Weather Live for up-to-date aurora activity information. This website provides real-time updates on solar wind conditions and auroral forecasts.

Step 2: Understand the KP Index The KP index is a scale from 0 to 9 that measures geomagnetic activity. Higher values indicate a higher likelihood of seeing the aurora. Check the KP value listed on Space Weather Live and use this map to see where the aurora will be visible based on the KP index. For example, a KP value of 5 or higher means there's a good chance of seeing the aurora further south than usual.

Step 3: Check the Weather Clear skies are essential for aurora viewing. Use the National Weather Service's Graphical Forecast to find areas with no clouds. Simply select the "Sky Cover" element and look for areas with minimal cloud cover.

Step 4: Plan Your Viewing Location To maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, head to a location with minimal light pollution. Dark skies away from city lights are ideal. Websites like LightPollitionMap.info can help you find dark sky locations near you.

Step 5: Timing and Patience Auroras are most commonly visible during the hours around midnight, but they can appear anytime it's dark. Be patient and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the experience. Dress warmly, bring some hot cocoa, and maybe even a reclining chair for comfort.

Bonus Tips: Photography and Apps

• Photography: If you want to capture the aurora, use a camera with manual settings. Set a high ISO (800-3200), a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), and a long exposure time (15-30 seconds). Use a tripod to keep your camera steady.

• Apps: There are several apps available that can help you track aurora activity, such as My Aurora Forecast, Aurora Alerts, and SpaceWeatherLive.

Solar Maximum: Why Now is the Best Time We are currently at the peak of the solar cycle, known as solar maximum. This period occurs roughly every 11 years and results in increased solar activity, making the auroras more frequent and vibrant. This is the best time to witness the Northern Lights, so don't miss out on this celestial extravaganza!

Remember, the aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon, and while these steps can increase your chances of seeing it, nature can be unpredictable. Enjoy the adventure, and happy aurora chasing!

Clear skies,

LukeAstroTours.org

AstroTours.org Lights Up Colorado Nights with Gravity Haus This Summer

Get ready for an unforgettable summer of stargazing adventure as AstroTours.org teams up with Gravity Haus in Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat, and Winter Park! Each location offers a unique 2-hour guided astronomy tour, perfect for anyone eager to explore the cosmos.

Steamboat Springs: A Starry Steamboat Night

Join us at Gravity Haus Steamboat for a mesmerizing journey across the universe. Our expert astronomer will guide you through constellations, planets, and distant galaxies. No need to hike; just bring your curiosity and warm clothes. This enchanting evening is ideal for all ages, featuring powerful telescopes and a backdrop of Steamboat's natural beauty. Book your Steamboat tour here.

Breckenridge: Cosmic Wonders at Breck

Experience the night sky like never before in the heart of Breckenridge. Our tour promises a blend of education and awe, with no hiking required. Wrap up warmly and join us for a night under the stars, where the universe unfolds before your eyes through our large telescopes. Secure your spot for the Breckenridge Astronomy Tour.

Winter Park: Stars at Winter Park

Set against the serene backdrop of Gravity Haus Winter Park, our tour welcomes stargazers of all ages. From sunset to the stars, our professional astronomer leads a cosmic exploration that's both accessible and engaging. The ideal way to spend an evening, discovering the magic of the night sky. Join us in Winter Park by booking here.

Vail: Night Skies Over Vail

The majestic landscape of Vail provides the perfect setting for our stargazing adventure. With expert guidance and big telescopes, you'll explore the celestial wonders from the comfort of Gravity Haus Vail's grounds. An accessible and insightful experience awaits all who attend. Reserve your Vail Astronomy Tour now.

Each location offers a unique setting to observe the night sky's awe-inspiring beauty, complemented by professional guidance to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the cosmos. Remember, while our tours provide an enhanced viewing experience with professional equipment and guidance, the natural beauty of a starry night is accessible to everyone. Whether you join us for a tour or set out on your own, the skies this summer are a gateway to the wonders of the universe.

Prepare for cool evenings as temperatures can drop after sunset. Our tours include all necessary equipment, cozy seating, and optional refreshments. Please note that all tours are weather-dependent, and we strive to provide the best experience, adjusting or canceling only when necessary for safety and visibility.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos—book your AstroTours.org experience today and make this summer a stellar one!

The Lyrids and Eta Aquarids Meteor Showers

This spring, the skies will dazzle us with two spectacular meteor showers—the Lyrids and the Eta Aquarids.

The Lyrids – Peaking on April 22-23

Originating from the debris of comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, the Lyrids are expected to produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. While this year's moon may wash out the fainter meteors, the brightest will still cut through the night sky, creating spectacular trails. Don't focus too much on the peak night; the days leading up to and following April 22nd will still provide wonderful opportunities to see these fast and bright meteors. For the best experience, find a dark spot after midnight, look up, and let the cosmos do the rest.

The Eta Aquarids – Peaking on May 6-7

Thanks to the nearly new moon coinciding with their peak, the Eta Aquarids promise an excellent show this year. This shower, known for its speed and produced by dust particles from Halley's Comet, can light up the sky with up to 60 meteors per hour. In the Northern Hemisphere, expect about 30 visible meteors per hour. Like the Lyrids, while peak nights are spectacular, the entire first week of May is a great time to gaze upwards. The meteors will seem to emanate from the constellation Aquarius but can appear across the sky.

How to Watch these Meteor Showers

1. Timing: Choose any night during the active periods of the showers (April 16-25 for Lyrids and April 19-May 28 for Eta Aquarids). The best viewing times are after midnight and before dawn.

2. Location: Use a light pollution map to find the darkest skies near you (lightpollutionmap.info).

3. Preparation: Allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Lie back to take in as much of the sky as possible. Dress warmly, and maybe bring a reclining chair or blanket for comfort.

Join Us

AstroTours.org is hosting viewing events on the peak nights of both meteor showers. While these gatherings enhance the experience with professional guidance and high-quality telescopes, you don’t need to join a tour to enjoy the shows. However, if you prefer a guided experience or wish to learn more about what you’re seeing, consider booking with us at AstroTours.org/book.

Meteor showers are a beautiful reminder of the cosmos' dynamic nature, accessible to everyone, everywhere. Whether you join one of our tours or set out on your own, the universe offers something incredible to behold. So mark your calendars, prepare your viewing spot, and enjoy the celestial show!