The Aurora Australis, or southern lights, stages a spellbinding celestial display for onlookers in southern Australia. Each year its stunning cascade of colorful lights dazzles all who behold it. This incredible display of nature includes beautiful, shimmering circles of color that illuminate the darkened sky. You’ll still be able to see some of the best views down south in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly from Tasmania, southern Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and parts of New South Wales.
Aurora Australis is caused by geomagnetic storms that disturb Earth’s magnetic field. Thanks to charged particles released by the sun, a phenomenon called solar wind. When these particles consistently collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, they produce a phenomenal light show. This spellbinding show draws visitors and New Yorkers alike, who flock to see it with rapt attention.
Viewing Locations for the Southern Lights
In particular, Tasmania is known as the best spot for viewing the Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights. Its unique location gives visitors an unimpeded view of the southern sky, making it a mecca for aurora chasers. Lucky observers located toward the southern reaches of Western Australia will have the chance to see this incredible natural phenomenon. So too can the people of South Australia!
Victoria is a good region for sightings, especially in the southern half of the state. Southern New South Wales can sometimes give a glimpse of the beautiful southern lights. Unfortunately, people require ideal circumstances to see this amazing event berthing the skies.
“A coronal mass ejection is the literal ejection of material from the Sun out into space,” – Andrew Jackling
This scientific overview from NASA explains the relationship between solar activity and when the aurora is most likely to occur. With these geomagnetic storms, the risk to see the Aurora Australis goes up tremendously alongside these ejections.
Factors Affecting Visibility
As stunning as the Aurora Australis is, there are a number of factors that will affect your chances of seeing the lights. Conditions on the ground affect viewing as well. Local weather conditions are important. Clear nights without cloud cover are best for optimal viewing. On top of that, light pollution from surrounding urban areas can wash out the aurora’s vibrancy, creating a less-impressive sight.
Moon cycles impact visibility. A full or nearly full Moon will typically wash out some of the aurora’s vivid colors. Consequently, the display looks more pale than it does on darker evenings. Anyone hoping to have the best experience possible should go out with moon phases and light pollution levels in mind.
“Kind of like in a normal thunderstorm, your shutters on your house would get a bit rattled by the wind and the rain,” – Andrew Jackling
This analogy even serves to explain how geomagnetic storms can impact the atmosphere of Earth in a similar manner as weather patterns. This dance between solar activity and atmospheric conditions makes for a perfect setting for awe-inspiring displays.
The Magic of the Aurora Australis
The Aurora Australis also known as the Southern Lights, enchants with its majestic splendor. It captures the amazing dance of the Earth in relation to the Sun. The phenomenon is a reminder of nature’s immense beauty and complexity, attracting thousands of people from all walks of life eager to experience its splendor up close.
If you’re among those hoping to catch a glimpse of this magical phenomenon, knowing what to expect is half the battle. To increase your chances of a successful sighting, head to a dark location, far from city lights. Follow weather forecasts to ensure the best chance for clear skies and watch the lunar calendar too.
