All-Sky Cameras and Cloud Maps: The Final Check Before an Aurora Hunt
An excellent geomagnetic forecast does not guarantee a successful night on the ground. Between the aurora and the observer lies the weather atmosphere, and even a thin cloud layer can hide the display completely.
What an all-sky camera shows
An all-sky camera uses an extremely wide lens to observe almost the entire sky. It reveals stars, cloud, haze and auroral structures in real time. Its greatest advantage is that it shows what is actually happening rather than what a model predicts.
Why one webcam is not enough
Cloud conditions can change over only a few kilometres. A covered camera does not mean the whole region is lost, and a clear camera elsewhere does not guarantee your spot. Compare several locations and the movement of upper-level cloud.
The best sequence
- Compare a satellite cloud map with the hourly forecast.
- Open two or three cameras along the expected path of clear gaps.
- Watch the stars and contrast: disappearing stars often reveal thin cloud.
Solar wind decides whether the aurora exists; clouds decide whether you can see it.
When moving is worthwhile
A clear gap within reasonable distance, moving towards a dark area, may be more valuable than a rise in Kp. Avoid endless chasing without a clear direction: choose a clear corridor, consider road conditions and prioritise safety.