Image credit: Myponga reservoir lookout by Aaron Bads
On Monday, South Australians who subscribe to aurora alerts received the following message “GEOMAGNETIC STORM IN PROGRESS. AURORA MAY BE OBSERVED DURING LOCAL NIGHT TIME HOURS IN GOOD OBSERVING CONDITIONS AT HIGH LATITUDES.”
Earlier, we also received this: A G2 planetary geomagnetic storm is currently underway with further G2 periods likely, and a chance of G3. Visible auroras may be sighted during local night hours from Tasmania and southern Victoria.”
While these alerts don’t always result in auroras being seen in South Australia, on Monday night the skies lit up, with gorgeous lights seen across the state. While moonlight and clouds can still hamper observers efforts to see the Southern Lights, there have been some great results tonight so far.
Some of the most spectacular results came from Myponga Reservoir lookout, captured by Aaron Bads. Other aurora photos were captured in Henley Beach South, Old Reynella, and Aldinga.
There still may be a chance to capture more action tonight if you’re willing to rug up and head outside!
For the most up to date Aurora forecasts:
- Check out the My Aurora Forecasts & Alerts app
- Check out the latest Aurora conditions on the Bureau of Meteorology
- Subscribe to the Bureau of Meteorology Aurora alerts
- Follow real time updates for your area on the Glendale.co.uk web app
- Or, join one of the many local Aurora spotting Facebook groups, which give updates in real time.
Aurora watching tips:
- KP Index is not reliable: The Glendale.co.uk app provides live data, making it a more accurate source of information.
- Timing is unpredictable: The aurora can appear 10 hours early or late. Aurora experts can only predict what might happen about an hour in advance, based on data from the Glendale app or Space Weather Live.
- Find a dark location: You need to be in a very dark place to see the aurora, as light pollution can obstruct the view. If you don’t go to a dark spot, you might miss out or see a diminished display.
- Face south: Look towards the South Pole, as that’s where the aurora will be. Anything else you see might be sunset, town lights, or airglow.
- Plan ahead: Make your plan during the day. The aurora can appear and disappear within minutes, so be prepared.
- Using an iPhone: If you think you’ve captured the aurora, go to settings, edit, and adjust exposure and shadows to enhance the image.
- Check for clouds: Use an app like Cloud Free Night to find areas with less cloud cover, or look for gaps in the clouds.
- Have fun!: Enjoy the experience.
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