Aurora Australis Alert: Get Outside Tonight – The Sky Might Glow
Wrap up warm and head somewhere dark. The stunning Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights, might be visible tonight if conditions align. The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) has issued an official Aurora Alert, signaling that a geomagnetic storm is underway and visibility could be excellent across southern latitudes.
Where to Watch
The best viewing locations are as far south as possible, away from city lights. Tasmania offers the highest chances, with New Zealand’s South Island also favored. Mainland southern Australia—particularly Victoria, southern New South Wales, and South Australia—could catch a glimpse too, but dark conditions are essential.
The optimal viewing window typically falls between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, with displays lasting from one to three hours. Use the ASWFC’s auroral oval tool to see whether your area falls within the “equatorward visibility line.”
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.”
These solar particles become trapped by Earth's magnetic field and collide with atmospheric gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The energy from these interactions is released as light, painting the southern skies in shimmering hues of green, red, and purple.
Tips for Skywatchers
- Seek locations far from artificial lighting.
- Allow your eyes to adjust to the dark for at least 15 minutes.
- Dress warmly and bring a camera with manual exposure controls.
Author’s summary: Tonight, strong geomagnetic activity could light up southern skies with a vivid display of the Aurora Australis for those watching under clear, dark heavens.