re: Aurora Australis seen at Pingelly Heights Observatory.

To Whom It May Concern,

I have just been in touch with Peter
Birch, at the Perth Observatory and he has suggested that I send this
report to you for your information.

Last night, Tuesday Oct 1,
2002, from 2100-2140 WAST (1300-1340 UTC), I observed an Auroral
display to the south, from my location at Pingelly Heights
Observatory:- 
(Lat: 32 deg 30.867 min S/ Long: 117 deg 5.287 min
E) 

It was visible from the SE across towards the SSW and
appeared as distnct red glows at altitudes up to about 40-50 degrees
above the horizon, in fairly obvious patches. Somewhere in the region
between Canopus and the Southern Cross, there were also bright
whitish streamers or beams coming up from the horizon which were
somewhat broader than usual and did not move about very much.  My
view of the display lasted for approximately 40 minutes and there
were periods of absolute brilliance to being almost
non-existent.

As I am operating our Observatory as a public
facility I would be interested in being placed on any email alert
system so that I could be aware of likely displays and be in a
position to maintain a special look-out for them.  I am also an
Amateur Radio operator (VK6ATR) and would appreciate the information
as it would assist me in my short-wave
reception/transmissions.

Regards,

Trevor J
Keates,
PINGELLY HEIGHTS OBSERVATORY.
(08) 9887 0088; Mobile:
0407 380 922; Fax: (08) 9887 0207;
Web: 
westnet/astroventures