Stargazers in bayside Melbourne and coastal Victoria were disappointed when the anticipated aurora australis did not make a repeat appearance on Saturday night. However, Professor Andrew Cole from the University of Tasmania stated that there could be more opportunities to witness the southern lights later this year due to increased solar activity. He explained that the sun was at its most active phase in a decade, increasing the likelihood of seeing the aurora. The activity could potentially last for the rest of the year, making this a rare event that occurs once every couple of decades.
Despite the lack of a repeat show, some residents in the Mornington Peninsula and bayside Melbourne reported crowds that exceeded those on New Year’s Eve as people gathered to try and catch a glimpse of the natural phenomenon. Crowds also congregated at Point Ormand in Altona around midnight, hoping to see the southern lights, but unfortunately, they were disappointed. The best conditions for viewing the lights are in clear skies, away from city lights, and the southern lights are typically only visible in Tasmania or Victoria’s far south.
On Saturday night, stunning pink and green hues were seen dancing through the sky in Tasmania, outback Western Australia, and along coastal regions of Victoria and South Australia. The southern lights were even visible in cities such as Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, although light pollution in urban areas made the aurora less vibrant. Unfortunately, heavy cloud cover and rainfall limited views in cities like Sydney and Canberra, preventing many from witnessing the natural spectacle.
Overall, despite the disappointment of not seeing the aurora australis on Saturday night, there is still hope for more opportunities to witness this rare event later in the year. With increased solar activity, the chances of seeing the southern lights in locations like Tasmania and Victoria are higher than they have been in quite some time. Stargazing enthusiasts are encouraged to keep an eye out for future opportunities to view the aurora under optimal conditions, away from city lights and in clear skies.
