Aurora Australis Alert: Experience Tonight’s Southern Lights
Grab your jumper and head outside—tonight could bring a spectacular display of the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) if conditions align. The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) has issued an Aurora Alert indicating a geomagnetic storm is currently underway, increasing the chances of seeing this natural light show in high-latitude areas of Southern Australia.
Where to Watch
Your best chance to witness the aurora is as far south as possible, away from city lights and light pollution. Prime locations include Tasmania and New Zealand’s South Island. Mainland Southern Australia—such as Victoria, southern New South Wales, and South Australia—may also see the lights, but very dark skies are necessary for the best viewing experience.
When to Watch
The ideal viewing window is generally between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. Displays usually last from one to three hours, offering a breathtaking experience for those outside during this period.
How It Happens
"When the sun flings charged particles out—solar wind, coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—they travel toward Earth and hit our planet’s magnetic field. Once trapped, they interact with molecules in the upper atmosphere (oxygen, nitrogen), releasing light."
This interaction produces the shimmering auroral lights you might catch tonight if you are in the right place with clear skies.
Check Your Visibility
- Use the ASWFC’s auroral oval tool to see if your location falls within the “equatorward visibility line” tonight.
- Stay away from artificial light to maximize your chances of witnessing this natural wonder.
Get ready to enjoy a magical sky show that connects us directly to the dynamic forces of the sun and Earth’s atmosphere.
Summary: Tonight’s geomagnetic storm may cause the Aurora Australis to be visible in southern regions of Australia and New Zealand; the best viewing is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. under dark, clear skies.