The sky cleared overnight just as an increase in auroral activity was to set to begin. I drove out toward Ludington State Park at 9:30 and attempted to see and photograph the expected modest display. I stayed out there about an hour but the Kp index which had been predicted to be near 6 had decreased to 4 which made the lights out of reach for my location.
At 5 AM I woke and saw that the skies were still cloudless, so per routine I loaded up the car and headed back out. This time even though the aurora was not detectable with my eyes my camera did a fine job of picking up the color in the faint glow to the north. Incidentally the Kp value was 5.3.
Tonight the Kp is again expected to be near 6 but cloud cover is forecast to increase by nightfall in my area. I may attempt to drive north of the clouds to witness another display. Stay tuned.......
