The aurora australis has put on a spectacular light show across many Australian states, with reports of the phenomenon visible as far north as Queensland. Tuesday night's display was caused by a severe solar storm hitting Earth.
People reported seeing the southern lights across Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia. Photographs and videos captured shimmering 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, said the sun is still in an active cycle, coming down from its solar maximum, which explains the increased frequency of coronal mass ejections. Dr. Sara Webb, an astrophysicist at the same university, noted it is unusual for the aurora to be visible in so many locations, calling it a rare event.
Experts warn that the chance to witness auroras may decline in coming years as the sun enters a new phase. The storm also predicted auroras at low latitudes in the northern hemisphere. Many Australians ventured into backyards or traveled away from city lights to view the spectacle, with Tasmania's Cradle Mountain being a favorite spot.
Enthusiasts shared stunning images, including Liv Brock, who captured the aurora australis and bioluminescence at Goat Bluff. On the Aurora Australis Tasmania Facebook page, one user described the event as 'absolutely wow … just wow!', while another called it 'totally OFF THE CHARTS!!!'.
