28/04/2023
A post to address a few aurora issues. I often get messages asking questions about where is the best location?, what time?, and should I drive from Cork to the north coast?, so I hope to settle a few of those here as I can't reply to every post.
The aurora can't be predicted for a specific time unless you have a storm like we do rite now when you simply go outside and just look up. For the most part the budding aurora watcher needs to put in the time, this means spending hours under the stars observing, getting fully dark adapted, and choosing a strategic location which is productive for aurora observation.
There's a myth that one needs to be at the north coast, this is untrue. The further north you are the better, however when you are dealing with a caliber of aurora at G2, G3 and G4 levels then anywhere in the country will have a chance of seeing activity, even the far south of Ireland during these severe storms.
All you need to do is get away from light pollution, seek a dark location, one which offers a good view of the N to NW for example, even just a few miles into the countryside and wait. A good aurora will be visible from anywhere. Patience is the key.
If you want to tick the aurora off your bucket list or wish to see more than one in your life time from Ireland then dedication is paramount. One must learn how to deal with disappointment and let-downs and fail over and over. If you can handle this and keep trying then it will only be a matter of time before you are a rewarded with something very special. Passion and discipline is the mind set to adopt along with a positive mental attitude.
I hope this helps answer a few questions, the subject is vast and every aurora and trigger mechanism is different so use these events as a chance to enjoy the hunt and learn the night sky. Also, before making any commitments, please check the weather forecast and real time satellite images!
* on a final note, avoid all info from news/media sources who are not experts in the subject, you will be lead astray and waste your time. Only listen to experienced observers and trusted aurora pages. I wish you all the best of luck - keep looking up!