A severe geomagnetic storm has sparked excitement among aurora chasers, as it raises the possibility that the Southern Lights could illuminate the skies over the Illawarra and South Coast regions. The Bureau of Meteorology's Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre reported a G4-level geomagnetic storm that began on Tuesday morning and is expected to continue into the evening, with a potential to reach the highest level of G5.
According to a BOM spokesperson, bright auroras can be visible at lower latitudes than usual during storms of this intensity, including dark-sky locations in southern Australia. However, the aurora australis is notoriously difficult to predict, and the chance of sightings may decrease if storm conditions subside.
For optimal viewing, experts recommend looking south in dark, clear skies between 10pm and 2am. Clouds that have lingered over the Illawarra for days appear to be clearing, improving visibility. Aurora chasers in the region have been treated to sightings several times in 2025, including in November and June.
The Facebook group Aurora Australis advises smartphone users to use a tripod or stable surface, enable night mode, and manually focus on the sky or a foreground object to capture the lights. While the aurora is beautiful, the geomagnetic storms that cause it can disrupt power grids, satellite services, and high-frequency radio communications.
The US Space Weather Prediction Centre noted that the largest solar radiation storm in over 20 years is underway, with the last of this severity occurring in October 2003. Residents are encouraged to check local conditions and hope for a clear night to witness the spectacular display.
