February 18, 1983

The aurora of February 18, 1983 was the first aurora I observed. During the latter part of 1982, there had been several aurora visible from Western Australia, however due to problems with communication (there was no internet in those ancient days!!! Hey... almost no-one owned a computer!!!!!) few observers had been able to see them. Discussions with several representitives from the different astronomy clubs around the state, resulted in the setting up of a telephone network for fast alerting of anyone interested. Less than a month after the network was established, it proved its worth with the aurora of February 18.

As the representive for the Albany Astronomy Club, I received a phone call about 8.30pm. After contacting several others in the club, I went out to observe the show.

The aurora was visible as a diffuse glow, slightly east of due south, that reached about halfway up from the horizon. After a short while, a few faint rays were visible. The biggest problem in observing this display was the waning gibbous moon, low in the eastern sky. As a result of this, I ceased watching the aurora after about an hour.