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 — the sun 12° down is enough for a bright show; faint aurora needs 18°→

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 poleward horizon — north in the north, south in the south

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

Aurora Chase Checklist (Printable)