CHECKLIST

The aurora chase checklist.

Everything between a good forecast and a frame you keep — the go / no-go, the bag, the first ten minutes on site, and staying safe in the dark. Tick it on your phone, or print it and take it with you.

Download PDF

Before you leave — the go / no-go

Kp at or above your latitude's threshold→

Bz pointing south (negative) — the real trigger→

Clear sky / low cloud at the spot — the #1 killer

A dark window — sun ≥12° below the horizon→

Moon low or new — a bright moon washes faint aurora→

A plan-B spot if the cloud moves in→

Pack

Camera + a fast wide lens

A sturdy tripod

2+ batteries, kept warm in an inner pocket

A head-torch with a red mode

A power bank + hand / foot warmers

A thermos, a snack, layered clothing

A microfibre cloth (lens frost)

A remote / intervalometer

An offline map + a full tank of fuel

On site

Arrive before full dark, scout a foreground

Face a clear northern horizon

Kill all white light — 20–30 min for night vision

Set manual focus on a star while you still can

RAW + manual WB (~3800 K) confirmed

Frame with a foreground anchor

Be patient — substorms come in waves; give it 2–3h

Stay safe

Tell someone your route and return time

Watch for ice, cliffs and tides in the dark

Keep fuel above half; mind the cold

0 / 25 done · ticks live on this device only and aren't saved — the PDF prints with empty boxes for the field.

Aurora Chase Checklist (Printable)