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Look up, Sydney! There’s a good chance the Aurora Australis could be lighting up the night sky tonight. The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre has just issued a geomagnetic storm alert, and while Tasmania typically gets the best views, parts of NSW could get a chance to witness the stunning Southern Lights. If you’re lucky enough to be in the right spot at the right time, you might catch the sky shimmering with vivid greens and pinks in a rare treat for skygazers in the south. Here’s everything you need to know before you head out.
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The Aurora Australis is most likely to appear during geomagnetic storms, which occur when solar winds interact with Earth’s magnetic field. For a chance to catch the lights in NSW, your best option is heading as far south as possible. Locations like the Riverina region, the Snowy Mountains, and areas south of Wollongong have all been treated to the lights before. The Blue Mountains and Jervis Bay are also worth checking out. Read more here.
How to catch the Aurora Australis
To see the Aurora Australis, you’ll need clear skies and as little light pollution as possible. Keep in mind, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, so sightings aren’t guaranteed. It’s best to check real-time aurora maps or follow geomagnetic storm alerts to stay updated. You can also follow this Facebook page for regular updates.
Tonight’s conditions and what to watch for
The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre has just issued an Aurora alert, signalling that a geomagnetic storm is active and could push the Aurora Australis into visible range for some parts of NSW. To make the most of the chance tonight, aim for a dark spot away from city lights, look south between about 10pm and 2am, and keep an eye on the sky for roughly one to three hours. Keep yourself updated on the Bureau of Meteorology website.