This Is How You Can See Aurora Australis Tonight
A severe solar storm may make the Southern Lights visible across much of Australia this evening. Tonight, people in the southern half of the country, and possibly as far north as Perth and Sydney, could witness one of nature’s most stunning phenomena: the aurora australis.
The event is caused by a strong solar storm currently interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. This rare occurrence could light up the night sky with vibrant ribbons of pink, green, and violet.
“It’s looking promising,” says Matt Woods from the Perth Observatory, confirming that a storm of this size means there’s a good chance bright auroras will be visible across large parts of southern Australia once the skies darken.
Where and How to See the Aurora Australis
For the best viewing experience, find a dark location with a clear view to the south. Avoid city lights, as they can make the colors fainter. Ideal spots include rural lookouts, beaches, and coastal cliffs.
The auroras can often be seen with the naked eye, especially the softer reds and pinks. However, the most vivid colors typically appear through a camera. Using a 10- to 15-second exposure can capture the full range of colors.
Patience is essential, as the display may last anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.
Summary
A strong solar storm could reveal the aurora australis tonight across much of southern Australia, best viewed from dark, open areas with patience and possibly a camera for vivid colors.