The aurora australis, also known as the southern lights, has put on a spectacular light show visible across many Australian states, with reports reaching as far north as Hamilton Island in Queensland. The phenomenon was observed in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia.
The display on Tuesday night was triggered by a severe solar storm hitting Earth, resulting in shimmering and pulsating pastel-colored lights, as well as bright pinks and purples filling the sky. Dr. Rebecca Allen, co-director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University of Technology, noted that the sun is still in a very active cycle, coming down from its solar maximum, which explains the increased frequency of coronal mass ejections.
Dr. Sara Webb, an astrophysicist at Swinburne University, said it is unusual for the aurora to be visible in so many locations. She added that as the sun heads into its next 11-year cycle, the aurora activity will decline for a few years before building back up.
The severe geomagnetic storm also prompted warnings of auroras at low latitudes in the northern hemisphere. Many enthusiasts ventured into backyards or traveled away from city lights to capture the spectacle. Popular viewing spots included Tasmania's Cradle Mountain and Goat Bluff, where Liv Brock captured both the aurora australis and bioluminescence in the water.
Arun Chandran, who runs the Aurora Australis Facebook page, told ABC Radio Hobart that the geomagnetic storm was particularly fast, with the coronal mass ejection taking only 24 hours to reach Earth. Social media users expressed awe, with one describing the aurora as 'totally OFF THE CHARTS!!!'
