TLDR
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AuroraWatch UK’s 7-question checklist helps UK observers distinguish real aurora from light pollution, clouds, and nacreous clouds in photos.
Key Takeaways
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Check AuroraWatch UK alert level first: green means aurora unlikely anywhere in UK; red means visible nationwide.
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Aurora is only visible to the north from the UK; a glow in any other direction rules it out entirely.
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Orange and yellow hues indicate streetlamp light pollution; genuine aurora colors are green (low) and red/purple (high).
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Cameras capture aurora colors the human eye misses due to low light sensitivity and long exposure times.
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Light from astroturf hockey pitches and street lamps reflecting off cloud is the most common false positive.
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