As we here in Cornwall are a mere 50 degrees north, an aurora is a rare treat. The only one I've ever seen was at the end of October 2003 which was spectacular. There was a good show a couple of Augusts ago, and I knew it was on the cards, but I gave up on it at 1am. Dammit all, it came good at about 2am, after I'd hit the sack. One of my mates, who happens to be a professional photographer, stayed up all night and took some beautiful pics of the light show over the breakwater at Bude. I have one framed at the top of my stairs, a cracking good picture.