Aurora Australis: A Guide to Chasing the Southern Lights
While most people have heard of the Northern Lights, few realize that the South has its own magnificent light display. The Southern Lights appear over Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and Antarctica, producing rainbow skies and bright, shifting ribbons of light. These light displays are rare, and only visible from remote locations. However, with some planning, the right information and a lot of luck, it is possible that you could tick the Southern Lights off your bucket list.Aurora australis, also referred to as the Southern Lights, occur as a result of fierce solar storms, which send solar winds rushing towards Earth. When the winds reach the Earth’s magnetic field, they trigger reactions with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen and create photons or tiny explosions of light. From these light explosions, thousands of vivid colours can be formed in the sky.
Quick Guide:
Best season
During winter (May to August) and the spring equinox in September
Best time
During the night
Best location
As far south as possible—ideally in Tasmania