Aurora Australis Lights Up Southland and Otago Skies
The night sky above Kaitangata was ablaze with vivid shades of green, red, and purple as the Aurora Australis dazzled viewers in Southland and Otago. This natural light display, also known as the southern lights, appears in various colors such as blue, red, yellow, green, and orange, shifting smoothly in shape through the night.
Local Experience of the Aurora
Leeana Ferguson brought her two young daughters to Summer Hill Road in Kaitangata, facing Kākā Point, to witness the spectacular event.
“That’s our usual spot to try and catch a glimpse of the ‘pretty lights’, as my girls call them,” Ferguson shared.
She noted that the aurora beams visible at Kākā Point were clearly visible to the naked eye. “I think this is about the third time this year I’ve been lucky enough to get good photos of the aurora,” Ferguson added.
How the Aurora Australis Occurs
- The aurora is caused by solar activity that sends charged particles into space.
- These particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, sometimes creating geomagnetic storms.
- Such storms trigger the dazzling auroral lights seen in the night sky.
Though Aurora Australis can occur any time of year, sightings are most frequent around the equinoxes in March and September, when long, dark nights make the phenomenon easier to see.
Summary
Aurora Australis created a vibrant spectacle over Southland and Otago, captivating locals who gathered to witness the colorful natural light show made visible by solar activity and Earth’s magnetic interactions.