Due to a large sunspot those in the far northern states may be able to see the aurora borealis the next few nights, sky conditions permitting. This sunspot is so large it can be seen by looking through dark lenses suitable for watching solar eclipses (a #10 welder's lens would work also).

During this same period anyone who doesn't have a good surge protector on their PC may want to unplug it while not in use. Some satellite and power lines may be disrupted.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), March 30, 2001

Answers

A #14 welders glass is highly recomended for viewing the sun. A #10 isn't really adequate from a safety point of view. This is to be used for naked eye observing ONLY! DO NOT use this in conjunction with a telescope or binoculars! You need special metal filters for optical equipment. Don't take chances either, there are no pain receptors in that area of the eye so you don't "feel" any pain while the eye is being damaged!!!! Raining up here today :-( so I probably won't get to see any aurora. Hopeing for some breaks in the weather tonight though!

-- Bob Johnson (Backwoods_Bob@excite.com), March 30, 2001.

Ive been able to see the Northern Lights, on and off all winter

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), March 30, 2001.

Bob, your timely warning is appreciated. thanks.

-- Action Dude (theactiondude@yahoo.com), March 30, 2001.

""During this same period anyone who doesn't have a good surge protector on their PC may want to unplug it while not in use. Some satellite and power lines may be disrupted.""

You are so right Ken. When I shut down PC tonight it will not be plugged in until 4/2/01.

The last major solar flare knock down the Canada and Northeast power grid for days. That and this April Fools Computer virus is a bit to heavy a load to mess with. Good Night All; JR

-- JR (jr3star@earthlink.net), March 30, 2001.

The light show has been going on for oer an hour here in northern Utah. Started as white light in the north and now at 11:30pm it is bright red blue and green. What a great show. Better than fireworks!! I envy those in Alaska. The light show not the winters.

sm4farm

-- sm4farm (dshans@hotmail.com), March 31, 2001.

Hi,,Northern Lights here in NW Montana also....last night= 3-30-01 The first ones I ever saw was last winter on a clear, cold night about 2am,,,it was so fascinating,,I just stood there mesmerized,,a beautiful gift from God....

-- Patsy, MT (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), March 31, 2001.

God has nothing to do with them. What you see are the reflections from the furnaces of hell being opened to admit another bunch of "tolerant" christians.

-- Lynn Goltz (lynngoltz@aol.com), March 31, 2001.

Ouchie. Apperently, the intolerant ones were left here to make eternity misersable for the rest of us heathens.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), March 31, 2001.