If you’ve seeing the southern skies come alive in greens, pinks, and purples was on your 2025 bucket list, tomorrow night could deliver just in time. Scientists are predicting strong geomagnetic activity on 9 December 2025, meaning the Aurora Australis may be visible across much of southern Australia and parts of New Zealand. Here’s what you need to know.
Where to see it
Southern regions will have the clearest shots at the aurora, with those in Tasmania, Victoria, and South Australia poised for the best view. However, strong solar activity might push the lights further north than usual, potentially reaching southern New South Wales, Queensland, and New Zealand.
To make the most of it, find a dark, open location with as few artificial lights as possible — beaches, hills, or open fields away from populated areas work best. The more horizon you can see, the better your chances of catching the full display.
What time to look
According to space weather forecasts, the most likely window for viewing is around 75–95 minutes after sunset, roughly between 6:00pm and 9:00pm AEDT. Keep in mind that space weather can be unpredictable, so it’s worth checking live updates over the next 24 hours if you want to time it perfectly.
What actually causes it?
Tomorrow’s potential spectacle is the result of a solar flare and coronal mass ejection (CME) hitting Earth’s magnetic field. When the charged particles collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, they create the shimmering green, pink, and purple lights we know as the Aurora Australis. The stronger the geomagnetic storm, the further north the lights can reach — so fingers crossed for a vivid display.
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Feature image by Luca Calderone via Unsplash.