About Aurora Information

Information on the Aurora Borealis is gathered from the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) POES satellite.

The activity level reading ranges from 0 (extremely low) to 10 (very high) and generally indicates the likelihood of seeing an aurora.  Due to various factors, this number may not be completely accurate, which is where the normalization factor (n) comes in.  The lower the 'n' value, the more reliable the level indicator will be.  If the 'n' value is greater than 2.0, the level indicator is very likely to be inaccurate.

If the activity level is showing a "High" reading and the 'n' value is very small, there's a good chance we'll see the aurora borealis in Port Washington.  The best time to see the aurora is around midnight.  Clouds, bright city lights or moonlight will obscure the faint auroral light but if it's clear and dark, you could see the northern lights!

Good luck, and please let us know if you get a good sighting!

Aurora seen from Port Washington Garden Club
weather station site roof, April 2002