Immediate Action & Core Facts
A severe solar storm caused a spectacular aurora australis to be visible across multiple regions of Australia on Tuesday night, including Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, and even as far north as Queensland. The phenomenon was triggered by a coronal mass ejection from the sun, which sent energetic particles toward Earth.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued an alert for 20 January, warning of a severe geomagnetic storm that made auroras observable during nighttime hours in Australia. The storm was also predicted to cause auroras in low latitudes of the northern hemisphere.
Deeper Dive & Context
Scientific Explanation
Dr. Rebecca Allen, co-director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University of Technology, explained that the sun is currently in an active cycle, nearing its solar maximum. This has led to an increase in coronal mass ejections, where the sun releases energetic particles. These particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating the aurora australis.
Australian astrophysicist Sara Webb described a solar storm as a sudden event on the sun’s surface where particles and plasma are ejected into space. When these particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field, they produce the awe-inspiring displays known as the southern lights.
Visibility and Viewing Conditions
Hannah Schunker, a physicist at the University of Newcastle, noted that New Zealand and Tasmania had the best chances of witnessing the aurora due to their proximity to the South Pole. However, the last few years have been favorable for aurora sightings in Australia, with viewers able to see the light show even in areas far from the poles.
Photographs and videos captured shimmering pastel-coloured lights, bright pinks, and purples filling the sky. Some viewers reported seeing the aurora despite city lights, while others traveled away from urban areas for a clearer view. The phenomenon was particularly bright in locations like Squeaking Point in northwest Tasmania and Cradle Mountain.
Potential Impacts
The National Emergency Management Agency monitored the severe solar storm, which could also cause disruptions to the power grid. However, the primary focus of reporting centered on the awe-inspiring natural spectacle and its visibility across multiple regions.
For those interested in capturing the aurora, experts recommended venturing out after dark to a place with clear viewing conditions and minimal light pollution.