Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights, have been putting on a dazzling display across New Zealand this season, captivating aurora enthusiasts who have been staying up all night to witness the spectacle. Southern Lights have been so bright that even those living in more northern areas have been able to witness them.
Intense Display
The Southern Lights have been growing “stronger and stronger” compared to last year, according to Richard Zheng, an observer who camped out at Brighton Beach in Dunedin to take pictures. “Faced with such a scene, you can instantly forget all your troubles, and only lament the insignificance of human beings in front of nature,” – said Mr Zheng. Dan Dirks mentioned that after relocating to the South Island of New Zealand last year, he has been keeping an eye on the aurora predictions with the aim of witnessing this event which is on his list of things to do.
Aurora Borealis vs Aurora Australis
The Northern Lights are called Aurora Borealis, while the Southern Lights are referred to as Aurora Australis. Both phenomena occur around the magnetic poles, where energetic charged particles hit the upper atmosphere, emitting light when they collide with gases in the atmosphere.
Viewing Tips
Auroras can happen at any time, but they are most likely to appear in March and September when Earth’s orientation relative to the sun is more likely to interact with solar storms. The shades of an aurora are determined by the atmosphere’s composition, with more oxygen producing greens and yellows and more nitrogen making the aurora look dark red or blue. On a clear night, the natural light show can last for one to three hours, and the phenomenon typically appears between 22:00 and 02:00. For aurora-chasing photographers, scientists recommend setting up in a dark location with a view southwards, perhaps on a hill or on a beach. With the right viewing conditions, anyone can witness this spectacular natural wonder, making it an experience not to be missed.
