University of Tasmania astronomer Professor Andrew Cole explained that sunspots on the sun’s surface have unstable magnetic fields, which can occasionally eject material into space. When these materials interact with Earth’s upper atmosphere, they can cause geomagnetic storms. Cole noted that predicting when the Aurora Australis would appear is as challenging as predicting rainfall, but conditions were looking favorable for a spectacular display overnight on Saturday. He recommended looking after sunset as soon as it gets dark, as the auroras could last for an unknown amount of time. Cole’s student reported seeing pillars of red light extending all the way up to the highest part of the sky during a recent display.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s space weather forecasting center issued a warning that the geomagnetic storm caused by solar flares could reach a level G5 extreme event on Saturday, potentially affecting power grids and satellites. However, the phenomenon does not pose any harm to humans. The bureau notified government and critical infrastructure operators to take action to mitigate potential impacts on infrastructure assets and essential services during extreme geomagnetic conditions. Bright auroras were expected to be visible at unusually low latitudes, including dark-sky locations near Sydney and Perth. The disturbance was likely to subside by 6 am on Monday.
The director of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s space weather prediction center described the geomagnetic storm as an “unusual and potentially historic” event. To best see the vibrant green and pink hues of auroras, using a phone camera that can capture light better might be more effective than viewing them with the naked eye. Taking a photo of the sky could reveal a nice surprise, as per the operations chief of the prediction center. Bureau senior meteorologist Dean Narramore advised looking south across clear skies and avoiding light pollution to spot the Aurora Australis, with the possibility of having to turn north if the display is particularly strong.
In April last year, the southern lights were visible across Victoria and Tasmania, reaching Canberra and the Western Australian town of Esperance. This dazzling display was caused by a large solar flare. It is recommended to sign up for newsletters to receive breaking news, entertainment ideas, and long reads to enjoy the latest updates on such natural phenomena. With the unpredictability of Aurora Australis appearances and the potential for extreme geomagnetic events, staying informed and prepared can lead to experiencing and capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of these celestial displays.
