Aurora Australis Lights Up Southland and Otago Skies
The night sky above Kaitangata was brilliantly illuminated with vivid shades of green, red, and purple. Residents of Southland and Otago were treated to a spectacular show as Aurora Australis, also known as the southern lights, painted the sky with bright, shifting colors.
About Aurora Australis
Aurora Australis are natural light displays that appear only at night. They often feature colors such as blue, red, yellow, green, and orange that gently shift and change shape, creating a mesmerizing effect.
Personal Experience
Leeana Ferguson brought her two young daughters to Kaitangata on Summer Hill Road, facing Kākā Point, to witness the stunning phenomenon.
“That’s our usual spot to try and catch a glimpse of the ‘pretty lights’, as my girls call them,” Ferguson said.
Scientific Explanation
Auroras are caused by solar activity. Charged particles from the sun travel through space and interact with the Earth's magnetic field, sometimes causing geomagnetic storms. These storms can produce dazzling auroras visible from Earth’s night skies.
When to See Auroras
- Aurora Australis can appear throughout the year.
- They are most commonly seen during the equinoxes in March and September.
- Long, dark nights during this period increase the chances of spotting the lights.
Ferguson noted the light beams were “clearly visible to the naked eye” from Kākā Point.
“I think this is about the third time this year I’ve been lucky enough to get good photos of the aurora,” she added.
Author’s summary: The southern lights dazzled Southland and Otago with vivid, shifting colors, captivating local families and highlighting the connection between solar activity and natural night displays.