Good evening and welcome to the official MABW space weather forecast for January 20-21, 2025. The time in UTC is currently 21:23, or 16:23 in 24 hour time, or Maine local time 4:23 PM.
The Solar Radiation storm continues at very extreme levels, and so does the geomagnetic storm component of the Sun’s current activities.
Viewing on camera once completely dark, and night sky conditions like clouds and light pollution notwithstanding, we should get a pretty decent show if conditions hold.
The moon won’t be an issue, at 4% waxing.
Current conditions:
- Solar Wind Speed: 826 km/sec
- Solar Wind Magnetic Fields: Bt 17 nT, Bz -12 nT
If conditions like this hold, and skies stay clear, then there will be a distinct opportunity for aurora viewing once it is completely dark.
If you aren’t seeing anything, remember to download and use a compass app on your phone and make sure you have a clear view of the low north horizon. People sometimes confuse Orion with the Big Dipper this time of year, especially since the Dipper isn’t in the “summer time Dipper pose” currently. If you have any doubts, you can always post on here or message me and I can try to get you pointed in the right direction.
Remember that you need to be able to see stars to see aurora. Viewing tonight will most likely be camera only. Light pollution and clouds can really mess with things.