Introduction
In the last section, we would like to address frequently asked topics that often arise when it comes to observing the Northern Lights from Germany. If you have any further questions:
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When should I go out?
There are many indications that point to the possible occurrence of auroras in Germany. Experienced observers know the conditions under which auroras can occur, but for newcomers, aurora observation can sometimes become frustrating. Unfortunately, there is no method to predict auroras with complete certainty. Successful observation also depends on the location. For example, observers in the far north have significantly better chances of observing the northern lights, while an observer in southern Germany may only see strong auroras.
For all observations, whether visual or photographic, a clear starry sky is of course required. Auroras cannot be observed through clouds.
If one or more of the following indicators appear, then auroras can be expected in Germany:
- If a warning has been issued from our warning list.
- If the arrival of a CME is expected. Here too, the AKM forum can help.
- If other observers from the AKM forum report successful aurora sightings.
- If the Bz value at the ACE satellite has been in the negative range around -10nT or more for several hours.
Where should I go?
Probably the most important factor for a successful visual observation of the Northern Lights is the choice of the right location. As with all astronomical observations, the chosen location should have as little light as possible. Areas north of big cities or rural areas far from light are best suited. If possible, travel to the North or Baltic Sea, as there is virtually no light pollution to the north. Additionally, the air over the sea is usually clearer and the likelihood of fog is low. For everyone else, it's advisable to look for an elevated location. In spring, summer, and autumn, ground fog often occurs in fields. Moreover, an elevated location allows for a better unobstructed view to the horizon.
A comprehensive map of light pollution in Germany can be downloaded here as a 50MB PDF.
Where should I look?
To the North!
Since from our latitudes we can only observe auroras from the northern polar region, one must look north to see possible auroras. During strong aurora events, it can happen that the aurora is overhead at the zenith or sometimes even wanders south. However, most auroras occur near the horizon in the northern direction.
If you don't know where north is, you don't have to give up. It is actually very easy to find out where north is. The most important clue is the constellation of the "Big Dipper", which every child knows. You simply extend the first two stars of the rear axle by five times and find the North Star. The North Star is always to the north. An article on Wikipedia explains how to find the North Star.
By the way: If you are in the southern hemisphere, you logically have to look south. Auroras also occur in Australia or New Zealand.
Finding the North Star
What can I see?
It depends! The camera always sees more than the human eye. It can detect auroras that are not visible to the naked eye. Therefore, it may happen that the beautiful colorful rays on the film or chip go unnoticed. Weak auroras are perceived as a brightening on the horizon, and beamers are vertical rays that move horizontally. In stronger events, the aurora is visible as a colorful green band or a red veil with vertically running, moving rays.
Auroras are not colorful to the human eye, as seen in most pictures on the internet. So, no bright green or red tones are to be expected. Rather, one sees gray vertical rays moving across the sky. In stronger auroras, a slight green shimmer or red hue may be detected. Only very bright auroras create intense colors for the eye. The reason for this lies in the nature of our eyes. At night, we can see no or very few colors, as our eyes are designed to recognize contrasts in the dark.
An important point for a successful observation of auroras is therefore the adaptation of the eyes. In the dark, our eyes form rods that enable us to see better at night. This is called dark adaptation. It can take up to 20 minutes for our eyes to adapt. But caution: As slowly as it takes to adapt the eyes to the darkness, dark adaptation can be destroyed quickly by the smallest light source. Therefore, it is sensible not to destroy the adaptation by phone or camera displays, streetlights, or car lights. Those who still don't want to give up their display should choose a dark red or violet as the background color.
How do I photograph auroras?
To photograph auroras, it is important to have a camera capable of long exposure times. The ISO value must also be adjustable manually. It is helpful to use a remote or cable release to avoid camera shake. The camera should be placed on a tripod and pointed north.
Focusing in the dark is a problem with night photography. To focus in the dark, use the moon, bright planets (e.g. Venus or Jupiter), streetlights, or lights from wind turbines. Modern SLR cameras have a live-view mode that can be very helpful for focusing. Once the focus is set, it should not be changed. The autofocus must be turned off. Test shots can be very helpful for focusing.
Once everything is set up, it is advisable to press the (remote) release and let the camera run. This has several advantages:
- You can observe in peace.
- You never know when the aurora will appear. This ensures you don’t miss anything.
- If you keep looking at the camera display, your eyes lose their dark adaptation.
- Time-lapse videos can be created later.
- Focal length: 10-18mm (wide angle)
- ISO: 1600ASA
- Aperture: f/3.2
- Exposure time: 30sec
How do I document auroras?
When auroras are observed in Germany, not only the observation itself should be recorded, but also the time of occurrence, brightness, and location of observation. All factors serve to categorize the aurora event more precisely and to determine the strength and extent of the aurora. All observations should be posted in the AKM Forum.
Time
Brightness
Aurora is perceived as varying brightness by each person. Please note exactly how you perceive the aurora (possibly also graded over time).
- photographic
only detectable with a camera - weak visual
one can vaguely perceive the aurora with the eyes - clearly visual
distinct structures and movements recognizable - very bright
brightness obscures the stars - extremely bright
brightness is extraordinary
Location
Where was the aurora seen? The local categorization is important to estimate the extent of the auroral oval. Bright auroras have already been seen as far as the Alps. However, sometimes auroras are only observable on the North or Baltic Sea coast.