Imaging-based observations of low-latitude auroras during 2001–2004 at Nayoro, Japan

説明

Color images of six low-latitude auroral events observed using color digital cameras at Nayoro (142.5° E, 44.4° N), Hokkaido, Japan, from 2001 to 2004, were analyzed to determine the events’ locations and times of occurrence. Geographical azimuthal and elevation angles of the images’ pixels were determined precisely by using the positions of the stars captured in the images. Horizontal regions covered by these auroral events were directly indicated by mapping the color images onto geographical maps and assuming that the emission layer’s altitude is the lowest or highest value of a visible-level red aurora, as determined by the OI 630.0nm emission. The estimated geomagnetic latitudes and L values of these low-latitude auroral events were in the 39–50° range and below L < 2.5, respectively. This investigation indicates that four of the six auroral events were the same as those that were reported previously based on high-sensitivity optical observations at other sites on Hokkaido (Rikubetsu and Moshiri). Although the previous study is lacking information about the maximal brightness level of the red auroral events, the present investigation suggests that these four low-latitude auroral events reached the visible level. In addition, two new events were reported in this study. The present work provides essential information such as the morphology and appearance of visible auroras, which are extremely rare in mid- or low-latitude regions.

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