Auroras Stun Stargazers Across Australia
Aurora chasers witnessed a vibrant aurora australis across Australian skies on Sunday night. The spectacle stretched as far north as Tamworth, New South Wales. Clear skies and a strong geomagnetic storm aligned to deliver pink and green hues to the naked eye. In East Devonport, Tasmania, Cressida Toorenburg watched from her home as clouds cleared above.
Eyewitness Accounts Capture Rare Visibility
“We sat for half an hour in the hope that the clouds would move away and then wow,” Ms Toorenburg said. “There was Lady Aurora! It was breathtaking — you could see her with the naked eye, but much bigger and brighter through the screen on my phone.” She has lived in the area for seven years and said she had never seen an aurora this striking. “The colours were so beautiful and vibrant,” she said.
A flash of radiant colours was visible over the water in Merimbula
Solar Storm Drives the Light Display
Australian astronomer Fred Watson confirmed the cause. He said, “It is quite unusual to see the aurora this far north.” Watson noted a particularly intense solar storm helped push the aurora’s reach beyond usual latitudes. “The more active the energy is, the closer to the equator it can be seen,” he said.
Scientific Explanation Behind Auroras
Auroras stem from geomagnetic storms. These storms begin with solar material ejected into space from the Sun. Atoms of oxygen and nitrogen collide with this energy in the Earth’s atmosphere. The reaction produces coloured lights that dance across the sky.
A full spectrum of colour in Wagga Wagga
Meteor Streaks Over Sydney
As the aurora filled the southern skies, Sydney residents saw a meteor streak overhead at 6pm. Australian National University astrophysicist Brad Tucker confirmed both events stemmed from increased solar activity. “The bigger the storm that leaves the Sun, the more likely the aurora is to be on Earth and the stronger the aurora is,” Dr Tucker said.
More Light Shows Predicted
Dr Tucker encouraged aurora fans to look again Monday evening. He said conditions remained strong for another display. “The rest of the year, roughly speaking, we may [see] another one or two good storms that could produce aurora,” he said.
Geomagnetic Warnings Remain in Effect
The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) extended its geomagnetic storm warning until June 3. The forecast carried a G4 rating out of 5 for Monday night. A G4 event means the storm could generate auroras visible far beyond typical latitudes. The ASWFC issues real-time alerts via email to subscribers through its official portal.
Recent Surge in Solar Activity
Skywatchers reported the latest aurora followed a massive M8.2 solar flare. The flare erupted from active solar region 4100, one of the strongest flares this year. Several smaller flares followed in quick succession. A burst of solar material from the region intensified the event.
Coronal Hole Increases Solar Winds
A large coronal hole on the Sun’s surface also contributed to increased solar wind. The fast-moving solar wind carried charged particles toward Earth, further boosting auroral activity.
Colours and Movement Captivate Observers
Auroras most commonly appear in green and pink tones. These colours come from particles striking oxygen and nitrogen in the upper atmosphere. The shapes and movement of auroras constantly shift, producing a dynamic sky display.
The aurora at its brightest at 8:30 pm last night outside of Young, NSW
South Australia Captures Spectacular Scenes
Skywatchers in regional South Australia shared photos and videos of the aurora. The aurora appeared about 7:30pm local time. Cloud cover blocked views from some city locations, but clear skies in regional areas gave a full view of the show.
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Comparisons to Past Events
Aurora hunters described the event as second only to last May’s display. Many said they had never seen such strong colours or widespread visibility.
Long-Term Outlook for Aurora Sightings
Dr Tucker said the aurora opportunities may begin to fade after 2025. “Once we start to get into 2026, and definitely into 2027, the sun will really quiet down,” he said. “We’re not going to get the aurora and you’ll have to book that trip to the Arctic circle to go see it.”
Public Interest Grows Across the Country
Australians from multiple states engaged in aurora hunting as conditions peaked. The ASWFC noted increased sign-ups for alert notifications. As geomagnetic activity remains high, enthusiasts remain hopeful for another display soon.
