We’re lucky in NSW to be surrounded by stunning natural wonders but recently we’ve had an extra special treat the Aurora Australis also known as the Southern Lights. This rare, colorful light show is usually more visible in places like Victoria, but this week, people across NSW got to see and photograph it too. Here’s what you need to know to catch a view of the Southern Lights in Sydney and beyond.
Can You See the Aurora Australis from NSW?
Yes, though it’s a rare sight in NSW! The Aurora Australis, these colorful rings of light above the South Pole, are most commonly visible in March and September when Earth’s magnetic field is just right for interacting with solar wind. But in a late and special treat, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) confirmed that the Aurora Australis was visible across almost all of Australia, including parts of NSW, thanks to strong solar-induced geomagnetic storms in early October.
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Many people across NSW captured stunning photos, from Merimbula to Gerroa, Bega, Wollongong, Dapto, and even the Riverina region. The lights were visible to the naked eye in some places, showing off pink, purple, and orange hues.
What is the Aurora Australis?
The Aurora Australis is caused by charged particles from the Sun, also known as “solar wind,” which travel towards Earth at incredible speeds. While most particles are blocked by Earth’s magnetic field, some manage to enter near the South Pole, mixing with atmospheric gases and creating vibrant lights in the sky. This Southern Hemisphere light show is called the Aurora Australis, while the Northern Hemisphere has the Aurora Borealis.
How to See the Southern Lights in NSW
To maximize your chance of seeing the Southern Lights, look for a dark, south-facing spot with little to no light pollution. Rural parts of NSW will give you better chances than areas close to Sydney. A bright aurora usually lasts for about one to three hours and tends to be most visible between 10pm and 2am.
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For the best chance to see it, keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology’s Aurora watch notices, which alert you when there’s a strong chance of an aurora display. If the conditions are right, you might just get to witness this breathtaking light show.
