Aurora Australis Dances Over Southland and Otago Skies
The sky above Kaitangata glowed with vivid green, red, and purple hues as Southland and Otago were treated to a breathtaking Aurora Australis display. Known as the southern lights, Aurora Australis are natural nighttime light shows often seen in shades of blue, red, yellow, green, and orange that gently shift and change shape.
Local Experience
Leeana Ferguson brought her two young daughters to Kaitangata on Summer Hill Rd, looking out toward Kākā Point to witness the remarkable display.
“That’s our usual spot to try and catch a glimpse of the ‘pretty lights’, as my girls call them,” Ferguson said.
Scientific Explanation
An aurora occurs when solar activity sends charged particles through space, which then interact with Earth's magnetic field. This can cause geomagnetic storms that create the dazzling lights visible in the night sky.
Timing and Visibility
- Aurora Australis can appear year-round.
- They are most frequent during the March and September equinoxes.
- Long, dark nights during these times increase the chances of seeing the lights.
Ferguson remarked on how clearly the aurora beams were visible to the naked eye from Kākā Point.
“I think this is about the third time this year I’ve been lucky enough to get good photos of the aurora,” she said.
Author’s summary: The Aurora Australis illuminated Southland and Otago skies with vibrant colors, offering a rare spectacle that combines natural beauty and solar phenomena.