‘So magical’: Sky watchers treated to spectacular aurora light show across Australia

Stargazers were treated to a spectacular light show late Wednesday and into early Thursday, as parts of the sky across Australia burst into an array of colour.

The southern lights, known also as aurora australis, dazzled sky watchers across Victoria from Anglesea to Warrnambool and much further north than usual, in line with expectations.

A view of the lights from Anglesea on Wednesday evening.Credit: Ellen Gaylard

Sightings were reported from as far afield as Perth in the west and in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and many other areas of New South Wales, courtesy of a severe solar storm that is impacting Earth.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s space weather centre had predicted earlier this week that the geomagnetic storm was in progress and aurora may be observed during local nighttime hours.

As the skies lit up, social media platforms quickly followed suit with users reporting magnificent views around the country.

“Sat for an hour taking photos with tears in my eyes. So magical,” said one person on X who shared their view from the Victorian coast.

Satellites drag across the heavens as a southern aurora lights up the night sky over Blaxland, NSW. Credit: Wolter Peeters

Further strong geomagnetic activity was expected to continue on Thursday, before subsiding some time on Friday, forecasters said.

Swinburne Space Technology and Industry Institute Dr Rebecca Allen said the best way to see the auroras would be at places with a clear view of the horizon, like a beach or bay.

“You would potentially have a bit better of a chance seeing it further on the east coast versus the west coast, because of just potentially when the activity is peaking,” she told Nine News.

Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter.

Most Viewed in National

Loading