Where to See the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) in Australia and New Zealand

Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights, have been lighting up the skies with breathtaking displays, and recent solar activity has made them visible across Tasmania, New Zealand, and even parts of mainland Australia!

It seems like every other day we’re hearing that once again the out-of-this-world colours that vividly light up the southern sky (AKA the Aurora Australis) has been putting on a show more spectacular than usual.

Aurora Australis is most commonly witnessed in Tasmania and often New Zealand, but there’s been damning visual evidence that the fluorescent magenta and green light has been spotted dancing through the skies of Victoria, South Australia, and even south Western Australia.

Shot by Caroline Jones in East Gippsland, Victoria, via Flickr | License

NSW should be able to see them too – we just need the clouds to clear up!

Usually best seen captured on cameras in manual mode rather than with the naked eye, people have been hoping for solar wind, chasing the resulting auroras, and posting their mind-boggling footage online. This is great for the rest of us who are tired of going on a goose chase only to be thwarted by light pollution or cloud cover!

But lately, solar wind activity has been so intense that some of the lights have been bright enough to witness without a camera! There are even whispers that the recent aurora light shows aren’t the end of it, and that the solar winds and geomagnetic storms that cause these epic aurora shows won’t peak until 2025!

I’ve done some digging and found clips of auroras filmed in a bunch of awesome locations in New Zealand and across southern Australia.

Cue the dramatic music and strap yourself in for some dramatic geomagnetic storm footage. It’s not often we get this collectively excited about the earth’s magnetic field, but here we are!

What makes Aurora Australis occur?

The colours and lights that are visible during any type of aurora are caused when charged particles (ions) stream from the surface of the sun towards Earth, in what’s known as a solar wind or solar storm.

When this solar wind gets close to Earth, it runs into the Earth’s magnetic field (which protects us!) and is forced around the planet, and further into the solar system.

But! Some of the ions become briefly trapped and travel down the magnetic field lines instead, heading towards both the North and South Poles. The ions interact with gases within the Earth’s atmosphere and create the bright coloured and moving lights we see.

Green and red light is produced by oxygen and blue and purple light is produced by nitrogen.

This shot of the Aurora Australis was taken by @snowflakes_n_cupcakes at Tinderbox Marine Reserve in Tasmania, and entered into our inaugural Moments Competition

What’s an electromagnetic storm?

With all the recent aurora activity we now have a new favourite type of storm to discuss – the electromagnetic (also called geomagnetic) kind! But… what does that mean?

Honestly, it just means that aurora activity is amplified. Every time you see an aurora – anywhere in the world – it’s the result of a geomagnetic storm. Typically they’re easier to see at high altitudes and harder to see at lower altitudes.

When there’s a really big one, like current aurora conditions we’ve been experiencing, it means that auroras can be viewed at lower latitudes in places like southern Australia.

Shot by Patrick Cavanagh in Newstead, Victoria, sourced via Flickr | License

Where can you see the Aurora Australis?

Aurora From Bruny Island, Tasmania

Aurora From Myrtleford, Victoria

Aurora From Invercargill, New Zealand

Aurora From Gnowangerup, Western Australia

Aurora From Bass Coast, Victoria

Aurora From Wheatbelt Region, Western Australia

Aurora From Wellington, New Zealand

Best Time to See the Southern Lights

The best time to see the Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis, depends on various factors such as the time of year, solar activity, and weather conditions. However, here are some general guidelines to give you a better understanding and increase your chances of witnessing one of these stunning natural light shows for yourself!

Winter months

The winter months (June to August) are considered the best time to see the Southern Lights in the Southern Hemisphere. The longer nights and clearer skies provide a better opportunity to witness the aurora.

Solar maximum

The Southern Lights are more active around the solar maximum, which occurs every 11 years. During this period, the sun’s magnetic field is stronger, leading to more frequent and intense auroral displays.

Geomagnetic storms

Geomagnetic storms, caused by coronal mass ejections (ooo science!) or solar flares, can trigger spectacular auroral displays. These events can occur at any time of the year, but are more common during the solar maximum.

Moon phase

A new moon or a crescent moon is ideal for viewing the Southern Lights, as a full moon can make the sky too bright and overpower the aurora.

Cloud cover

Clear skies are essential for viewing the Southern Lights. Check the weather forecast before heading out to ensure that the skies will be clear. If you get really into aurora chasing be warned that your conversations are going to feature a lot of cloud content from now on!

You won’t get lucky every time but a starry night sky is a pretty good consolation prize | Shot by @adrianmascenon

How do I know when an Aurora will appear?

No one wants to be racing out of bed in the early hours chasing an aurora when there’s zero chance of it happening. Maximise your odds of seeing one by using an app or checking the official Australian aurora forecast.

Auroras are notoriously fickle and sometimes the conditions can be perfect…but nothing happens. The amazing photographs and videos of stunning green and pink light shows filling our newsfeeds are proof that sometimes those charged particles align just right and put on a spectacular show.

Shot by @cafuego at Brown Lake, via Flickr | License

Photographing the Aurora Australis

If you’re using an SLR you’ll want to make sure that you have a tripod and switch to manual mode. Use a wide-angle lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or wider) and set your ISO between 400-1600. Start with a shutter speed of 10-20 seconds.

If you’re using a smartphone it’s a bit trickier to get a good shot, but not impossible! Try to set a longer exposure time and set your phone on a solid surface or tripod.

If you can’t adjust your settings manually, consider downloading a night mode app (NightCap Camera is a good one!), which will allow you more control and ability to optimise your ISO settings.

@mattiejgould

Tips for Viewing the Southern Lights

To maximise your chances of witnessing the Southern Lights, follow these tips:

• Find a dark location: Get away from cities and towns to minimise light pollution. Find a spot with minimal artificial lighting to increase your chances of seeing the aurora.
• Dress warmly: It can get very cold while waiting for and viewing the aurora, so dress warmly and bring blankets or chairs to stay comfortable.
• Bring binoculars or a camera: Binoculars can help you get a closer look at the aurora, while a camera can capture what your naked eye can’t.
• Be patient: Viewing the Southern Lights requires patience. Be prepared to spend several hours waiting for the pretty lights and viewing the aurora once it appears.
• Check aurora forecasts: Check aurora forecasts and space weather maps to determine the best time and location to view the Southern Lights.

What better spot to relax with a beer and watch for auroras from than the roof of the camper on the Victorian coast | Shot by @iamjonathan

How Solar Winds Create Stunning Northern and Southern Lights

Solar winds are like a cosmic breeze blowing from the sun. It’s a stream of charged solar wind particles, primarily solar wind electrons and protons, that the sun continuously emits into space. Think of it as the sun’s way of sending out a little energy and a whole lot of charged particles into the universe.

When solar winds reach Earth, they interact with Earth’s atmosphere (mostly the upper atmosphere) and magnetic field. Most of the time, Earth’s magnetic field acts like a protective shield, deflecting the charged particles.

However, when solar wind is particularly strong causing intense solar activity, auroras occur. They make a beautiful light show which we refer to as the Northern and Southern Lights. You see the best auroras on clear nights without clouds as particles collide with gases in our upper atmosphere.

Milky Way with a hint of an aurora | Shot by Caroline Jones in Mallacoota, Victoria, via Flickr | License

How Solar Flares Intensify Auroras

Solar flares are sudden bursts of energy from the sun’s surface caused by the release of magnetic energy. These flares send charged particles (ions) into space, sometimes towards Earth.

When the charged particles from a solar flare reach our atmosphere, they interact with Earth’s magnetic field, intensifying aurora activity like the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). The stronger the solar flare, the more vivid and widespread the auroras can be.

Shot by @seabirdnz in Queenstown, New Zealand, via Flickr | License

Special Events and Aurora Alerts

To stay up-to-date with the latest aurora forecasts and alerts, follow these resources:

• Aurora forecast apps: Download apps like My Aurora Forecast, or Dark Sky to receive notifications and forecasts for auroral activity.
• Space weather websites: Visit websites like the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s Space Weather Services to stay informed about solar flares, CMEs, and geomagnetic storms.
• Social media: Follow aurora enthusiasts and space weather experts on social media to receive updates and alerts.
• Aurora alert systems: Sign up for aurora alert systems, such as the Aurora Australis Alert NOW page, to receive notifications when the aurora is visible in your area.

By following these tips and staying informed about aurora forecasts and alerts, you can increase your chances of witnessing the breathtaking Southern Lights.

News update: Kaikoura is New Zealand’s Newest Dark Sky Sanctuary

Stars in the sky above Kaikōura, Canterbury, New Zealand | Shot by Miles Holden

Aurora Australis FAQs

When can I see Aurora Australis?

It’s technically possible for the Southern Lights AKA Aurora Australis, to be visible at any time of year. However it’s most commonly seen during winter – around May to August – and also in September during the spring equinox.

Can I see the northern lights in Australia?

The northern lights refer to the Aurora Borealis, which cannot be seen in Australia. Keep your eyes peeled for the Aurora Australis instead. If you’re having trouble remembering which aurora is which, the clue is in the name ‘Aurora Australis’ – it sounds like ‘Aurora Australia’!

How do I see an Aurora Borealis?

The Aurora Borealis is only visible in the northern hemisphere in places including Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. The best months to observe the beautiful trademark dancing green display of the northern lights are November through to February.

Where do you find Aurora Australis?

Usually, Aurora Australis is best viewed in Tasmania or New Zealand, however the Southern Lights have been increasingly seen in Victoria and even south Western Australia, and South Australia.

When there’s strong geomagnetic activity you can see auroras just before sunrise and just after sunset in Australia, but generally they’re clearer in the night sky when the sun has completely set.

Why do they call it the Aurora Australis?

Also known as the Southern Lights, Aurora Australis was named by Captain James Cook. Considering the Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis – were already named, Cook used the same naming convention to name the Southern Lights.

The name ‘Aurora’ comes from the Roman goddess of the dawn – Aurora – and australis is derived from the Latin word for southern.

Can Aurora Australis be seen in Australia?

Yes! Aurora Australis can be seen in Australia, usually best in Tasmania. Thanks to the high altitude, remote location, and low light pollution, Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake in Tassie are popular places to see the Southern Lights.

Bruny Island is a more accessible spot that regularly proves a good spot for aurora spotting.

Can you see aurora with bare eyes?

It’s possible to see an aurora with your naked eye. However sometimes it’s not as vivid as it appears on a camera. If the aurora is weak it’ll appear as grey or white coloured streaks visible across the night sky. If it’s a powerful auroral event you may see green, pink, and red emissions too.

Is Aurora Australis visible from Melbourne?

Although Aurora Australis may be in the sky near Melbourne, because of the light pollution caused by the city, it’s often nearly impossible to see it.

To see Aurora Australis, you typically need to travel outside of Melbourne to more remote areas, such as Phillip Island, Wilsons Promontory, or Mornington Peninsula.

Even if you do this, you can often be thwarted by cloud cover or the light of a full moon making it harder to see the aurora of the Southern Lights. Finding unobstructed views of the sky can also be tricky so many people aim for the coastline or beach to find the best view of any predicted aurora.

Can you predict Aurora Australis?

It’s very difficult to predict when an aurora will occur as it depends on solar flares and wind from the sun! However, with longer nights in winter, there’s more opportunity to witness an aurora.

You also need the right conditions – low light, which means no moon, and a clear sky, so no clouds.

How long does an aurora last?

An aurora will usually last about 15-30 minutes, but can sometimes last for a few hours.

Is the Aurora Australis rare?

The Aurora Australis isn’t rare in Tasmania, however it’s not as bright and consistent at the Aurora Borealis in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s rare to witness Aurora Australis further north than Tasmania.

Have you seen a great aurora recently? Let us know where in the comments!

Feature photo thanks to @skenb on Unsplash

Table of contents image by Dorian Tsai