Aurora Australis Dances Over Southland and Otago Skies
The sky above Kaitangata was illuminated with vivid green, red, and purple hues, offering a spectacular display of the Aurora Australis. This natural light show graced the Southland and Otago regions, painting the night sky with vibrant colors.
About Aurora Australis
Known as the southern lights, Aurora Australis are natural colored light displays visible only at night. They often appear in shades of blue, red, yellow, green, and orange, shifting gently and changing shape over time.
Viewing Experience
Leeana Ferguson took her two daughters to Kaitangata’s Summer Hill Rd, facing Kākā Point, specifically to witness this stunning phenomenon.
“That’s our usual spot to try and catch a glimpse of the ‘pretty lights’, as my girls call them,” Ferguson said.
She described the aurora beams as “clearly visible to the naked eye” and noted this was around the third time this year she managed to capture good photos of the lights.
Cause and Timing
The aurora occurs due to solar activity sending charged particles through space. These particles interact with Earth's magnetic field, causing geomagnetic storms that create dazzling auroras in the night sky.
While sightings can occur year-round, they are most frequent during the equinoxes in March and September, when long, dark nights improve viewing chances.
Key Facts
- Aurora Australis appear in various colors including blue, red, yellow, green, and orange.
- They result from charged solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetic field.
- Best viewed during equinox months due to extended night hours.
- Visible only at night and can change shape and color gradually.
Author's Summary: The Aurora Australis lit up skies over Southland and Otago, captivating viewers with vibrant colors caused by solar activity interacting with Earth's magnetic field, especially visible during equinoxes.