[montezumawell]

We started this topic as an "alert" on some solar activity that "coulda, shoulda, mighta, and maybe actually DID" produce one or more auroras visible in AZ. This initial post has been heavily amended because the original wording is, obviously, no longer relevant. Anyway, there was a BIG outburst from the sun in Late October 2003 and, according to at least one HAZ-ite, it really did produce a visible aurora here in AZ.

J&S

[Dschur]

In response to montezumawell's reply: We were able to observe on Wednesday morning. Lots of reds dancing all over the place. May have even been some greens in it too. It was at 2am. Will have pictures after we see if there is any tonight also....

[Nighthiker]

I live in the Gold Canyon Area east of Apache Junction. The only thing I noted was a coyote that walked nearby carring a small dog in his mouth.

[bzachar]

They saw the Aurora this morning in New Mexico and Texas.

http://skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/sun/article_1084_1.asp

From another forum I visit:
A major solar event occurred at 1102 GMT on Oct 28th, facing the
Earth. It was three hours long and left the sun at 1200 to 2000 km
per second. The shock should arrive at Earth as early as the
afternoon of the 29th in Europe (4 PM GMT)and as late as 2 AM GMT on
the 30th.

Europeans will be able to see the aurora probably as far south as
Southern France, since it should be over Paris by midnight.

It will be night in Australia and New Zealand if it arrives at 1100
GMT. This flare is probably large enough to approach mainland
Australia and be visible from the North Island in New Zealand, so it
may be worth staying up to see.

Russia, north of 50 deg latitude will be well placed on the night of
the 29/30 to see the aurora from this flare.

Observers in the USA should not be discouraged that it will arrive
during the day of the 29th. This flare is of a magnitude that should
lead to aurora visible over the entire continental US on the evening
of the 29th. It may be on the northern horizon for those in Florida,
Texas, and Southern California, but it should be visible.

The best viewing is from a dark area, even your back yard, with a
view to the northern horizon. Look out at the sky every half hour.
Typically, an intensification occurs every two hours, lasting about
1/2 hour. The maximum activity is usually around 11pm to midnight.



Prediction by [Chuck Deehr]
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When I went out I saw my dog carrying a coyote in his mouth. The coyote had a small dog in his.

[montezumawell]

Well, it's great to know at least someone on HAZ saw the aurora here in AZ. I got up every hour on the hour, including 2 a.m. and stood outside staring like an ape at the night sky. Nothing. Nada. Zip Zilch. Zero. In addition to the sighting report on this list, we know of two other individuals (in Flag, of course) who had the luck to see the aurora. Why we didn't see it will always be a mystery. Anyway, thanks for posting to this topic. Better luck next time.

J&S

[Nighthiker]

Nothing but racoons.

[Dschur]

In response to montezumawell's reply: We now have pictures for two nights worth and maybe another one. We will have to see if the ones for last night showed any....
http://www.psiaz.com/schur/astro/latest40.html
http://www.psiaz.com/schur/astro/latest41.html