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How to see the aurora australis tonight
RUSSH • • science
Key Points:
- A possible aurora australis event is forecast for Friday night, 9 October, potentially visible across Tasmania, Victoria, New Zealand, and parts of NSW, ACT, South Australia, and Western Australia due to a predicted G2 geomagnetic storm.
- The best viewing locations are in southern regions away from city lights, with open fields or beaches offering optimal conditions for spotting the aurora towards the southern horizon.
- The aurora is expected to appear around midnight, but skywatchers should start looking approximately 75 to 90 minutes after sunset, with specific times varying by location.
- The aurora australis is caused by a coronal mass ejection from the sun, which interacts with Earth's magnetic field, producing faint glows or, during strong activity, visible greens, pinks, and purples.
- While a dramatic light show is possible, the aurora may also present as a subtle glow low on the horizon, and forecasts may update as the event approaches.
