Aurora Australis Alert: Witness the Southern Lights Tonight
Grab your jumper and head out — the spectacular Aurora Australis might be visible tonight if conditions align. The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) has issued an alert for a geomagnetic storm, creating favorable chances for a visible aurora in high-latitude Southern Australia.
Where to Watch the Aurora Australis
The best viewing spots are as far south as possible, away from city lights. Tasmania offers the highest odds, along with New Zealand’s South Island. Mainland southern regions including Victoria, southern New South Wales, and South Australia might also see the show, but very dark skies with minimal light pollution are essential.
The prime time for viewing is generally between 10 pm and 2 am local time, with displays typically lasting between 1 and 3 hours.
How to Check Visibility
Use the ASWFC's auroral oval tool to determine if your location falls inside the “equatorward visibility line” for the night, increasing your chances to witness the lights.
The Science Behind the Lights
"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 between solar particles and atmospheric molecules causes the sky to glow in a dazzling display.
Enjoy the spectacle, but remember to seek out dark, clear skies for the best experience.