Why are There More Auroras at the Equinoxes?

It's been known for over a century that auroral storms are stronger and more frequent around the spring and fall equinoxes. Why is this the case? In this episode I dig into the dynamics of the Russell-McPherron effect, a explanation for this variation proposed in 1973. And in the process, you just might learn a little more about the Bz and why it's so critical to aurora chasers! You'll also find this week's space weather forecast, as we wait for an incoming CME with a chance for Kp 7 storms!