A sudden increase in the aurora australis has dazzled skywatchers all over the Southern Hemisphere. These breathtaking backlit signs are a sight to see! A very powerful solar storm blasted Earth on May 31, 2024. Since then, a dramatic light display has punctuated the northern night sky with brilliant swirls of hue. As experts warn, this boom period cannot continue forever.
Much of the solar activity we’re seeing these days is due to an 11-year solar cycle, which is approaching its peak right now. That solar maximum officially started in October 2024 and should continue for at least another year or two. The most recent solar cycle began in 2019. Now, as it approaches its peak, the Sun is releasing more regular and powerful solar storms.
The May Solar Storm
On May 31, 2024, one of the most powerful solar storms in recent history was unleashed, producing a strong G5 level geomagnetic storm on Earth. This storm is remarkable for being the most consequential of the past 20 years.
Brad Tucker, an astrophysicist, stated, “There was a large solar storm on the 31st of May. The storm was large enough to trigger a G4 storm on Earth.” The space weather scale for solar storms goes from 1 to 5 with G5 being the highest intensity level.
The implications of such storms are profound. At solar maxima, a time when the Sun undergoes heightened activity, solar storms are particularly frequent and powerful. Dr. Tucker explained, “During solar maxima, which we are at, the Sun produces more storms, and more extreme storms.”
Viewing Opportunities and Limitations
Aurora australis typically remains over the southernmost parts of Australia. What has thrilled aurora chasers lately is the opportunity to see them much farther north— even as far north as Tamworth, New South Wales. This unprecedented expansion of visibility is a result of the recent solar activity.
Mr. Jackling highlighted that “significant space weather can occur at other times in the cycle too.” She went on to highlight just how extraordinary the current display is. As enticing as these opportunities are, he warned, we need to be mindful that they are fleeting. By 2027, such activity is expected to be reduced to nearly zero, greatly reducing future geomagnetic storm scenarios and our auroral displays.
“By 2027, solar activity is likely to have reduced from present levels, making geomagnetic storms and subsequent auroral displays less likely to occur.” – Mr. Jackling
The auroras — often called the most beautiful weather on Earth — are much more than a stunning photo opportunity. They’re a dazzling glimpse into the unpredictable reality of our Sun. A coronal mass ejection—the ejection of solar material into space—can lead to these stunning displays when interacting with Earth’s magnetic field.
Future Solar Activity
As scientists closely watch the behavior of the sun, they’ll tell you that no two solar cycles are alike, especially at their peaks. As things stand, this cycle is more active than any point since it started. Advocates need to be prepared for the fact that future years may be much more subdued.
Dr. Tucker pointed out that even during quieter phases of the solar cycle, auroras can still occur near the poles, albeit less frequently. Being active in the quiet years, which you can be, there remains a often low bar of activity to receive, he noted. In order to experience the polar lights, you need to be near the south or north pole. That’s precisely why travelers flock above the Arctic Circle in pursuit of this awe-inspiring spectacle.
These southern lights have dazzled onlookers from all over Australia and even the world. Who knows how long this amazing auroral show will be in effect. Innovators encourage hobbyists to make the most of this opportunity while it exists.
