Aurora in Northern Virginia


Thursday evening October 10th I ventured to Hogback Overlook on the Skyline Drive to join some fellow “Astro Bros” with the hope of capturing Aurora. I was not disappointed. While I don’t know much about auroras I am learning fast. There is a scale referred to as the Kp scale that defines the intensity of solar activity. I’ve defined it below.

The Kp scale, or planetary K index, is a 9-point scale that measures the level of geomagnetic activity and the intensity of the aurora: 

  • Kp 0–2: Quiet, with the aurora far north and dim 
  • Kp 3: Unsettled, with bright auroras visible at the zenith 
  • Kp 4: Active, with bright, constant, and dynamic auroras 
  • Kp 5: Minor storm, with a bright, constant, and colorful aurora display 
  • Kp 6: Moderate storm, with a bright, dynamic, and colorful aurora display 
  • Kp 7: Strong storm, with bright, dynamic, and colorful auroras visible in the southern sky 
  • Kp 8: Severe storm, with bright, dynamic, and colorful auroras seen around 50° latitude 
  • Kp 9: Intense storm, with auroras seen around 40° latitude 

The Kp scale is calculated by averaging the largest magnetic change recorded by magnetic observatories around the world every three hours. The Kp index can indicate when the Earth’s magnetic field is disturbed by a storm from the sun. 

The Kp index doesn’t definitively predict the strength of the Northern Lights, but it does provide a good idea of what to expect. 

Upon arriving the northern horizon appeared slightly green with a dome-like appearance. That’s Front Royal, Virginia off to the right. The naked eye didn’t reveal these brilliant colors and this photo was taken with just an iPhone 16.

Closer to naked eye representation
What the iPhone captures

As the evening progressed the Aurora just intensified. At one point it appears to surround us on all sides. This picture is looking directly overhead at what I have come to learn is the aurora’s corona.

Here is a video of the aurora. Again, it doesn’t do it justice.

Finally here’s a gallery of just a few of the images I captured…

All I can say after experiencing this event is that if you ever have the opportunity to see one…do it!!! We are at or nearing solar maximum sometime in 2025, which means that the solar activity such as sunspots and resulting CMEs (coronal mass ejections) is at its peak. There may be other chances in the near term to experience this for yourselves so don’t miss it.

If you’d like to get real-time updates on solar activity and the potential for auroras, check out www.spaceweather.com

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