Aurora Australis Shines Over Southland and Otago
The sky above Kaitangata was illuminated with vivid green, red, and purple hues as Aurora Australis, or the southern lights, put on a breathtaking show. This natural phenomenon lit up the skies across Southland and Otago with vibrant colors.
About Aurora Australis
Aurora Australis are natural light displays visible only at night, commonly seen in shades of blue, red, yellow, green, and orange that gently shift and change shape.
Cause of the Aurora
Auroras are caused by solar activity. Charged particles from the sun travel through space, interacting with Earth's magnetic field. This interaction can create geomagnetic storms, resulting in stunning auroras visible in night skies.
Local Experience
Leeana Ferguson brought her two young daughters to Kaitangata on Summer Hill Rd, facing Kākā Point to watch the spectacle.
“That’s our usual spot to try and catch a glimpse of the ‘pretty lights’, as my girls call them,” Ferguson shared.
She noted the aurora was “clearly visible to the naked eye” and added, “I think this is about the third time this year I’ve been lucky enough to get good photos of the aurora.”
When to See Aurora Australis
Although sightings happen throughout the year, auroras are most commonly observed during the equinoxes in March and September. Long, dark nights during these periods increase the chances of witnessing the lights.
Author's summary: The southern lights dazzled Southland and Otago with vibrant colors visible to the naked eye, especially during equinox seasons, captivating locals like Ferguson and her family.