Aurora Australis Visibility Possible on Friday Night
The vibrant aurora australis could be visible across southern Australia on Friday night, following a recent coronal mass ejection from the sun.
Coronal Mass Ejections and Auroras
Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are powerful bursts of solar particles and magnetic fields. When these ejections reach Earth, they have the potential to trigger geomagnetic storms, which may result in auroral displays near the polar regions of both hemispheres. Such light shows often appear as vivid colours shimmering in the night sky.
Recent Solar Activity and Aurora Watch
- On November 5, two distinct CMEs were observed coming from the sun.
- Australia's Bureau of Meteorology Space Weather Service issued an aurora watch on November 6 in response.
“A coronal mass ejection is expected to impact the Earth within the next 48 hours, possibly resulting in significant geomagnetic activity and visible auroras during local nighttime hours.”
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Summary: Following recent solar activity, residents in southern Australia might witness vivid night skies on Friday, depending on favourable weather and lunar conditions.