Skywatchers could be in for an unexpected treat tonight, with a geomagnetic storm currently underway and fresh aurora activity raising the possibility of the Southern Lights appearing over parts of Australia. A geomagnetic storm is currently underway, according to a fresh update from the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC), raising hopes of a spectacular aurora display across parts of Australia tonight. Skywatchers could have the best chance of catching the colourful lights around 75 to 90 minutes after sunset, particularly in areas with clear skies and favourable viewing conditions. Tasmania and Victoria are among the most promising locations, although the display may also be visible from parts of South Australia, Western Australia, the ACT and New South Wales.
Could the Aurora Australis be visible in NSW tonight?
There is a chance for the lights to be spotted around NSW, but southern parts of the state will be much better placed than Sydney. Aurora displays are normally confined to higher latitudes, although sufficiently strong geomagnetic activity can push them further north. The Bureau notes that exceptionally strong events have produced sightings as far north as southern Queensland, although these are rare.
Conditions were particularly elevated over the weekend, with geomagnetic storm activity recorded across Australia and stronger activity further south. While the forecast suggests the disturbance should gradually ease, tonight’s active conditions mean an aurora display remains possible, particularly across southern Australia. For NSW, the far south of the state offers the best chance, especially from locations well away from artificial light with a clear view towards the southern horizon. Visibility will ultimately depend on how geomagnetic conditions develop after dark, as well as local cloud cover.
Where to see the Aurora Australis in NSW
If the Southern Lights do reach NSW tonight, the further south you can get, the better your chances. The Sapphire Coast is particularly well positioned, with Green Cape, Eden and Tathra offering dark skies and coastal vantage points looking south over the ocean. Further north, Broulee and Jervis Bay are also popular with aurora watchers thanks to their relatively low light pollution and open horizons.
If activity strengthens, darker stretches of coastline south of the city, including parts of the Royal National Park, and the Blue Mountains may offer a better chance than metropolitan Sydney. Palm Beach Headland is another option closer to the city, while further inland, Warrumbungle National Park offers exceptionally dark skies with very little artificial light.
Wherever you are, choose a spot with minimal artificial light and an unobstructed view south. Cloud cover will also play a major role, so even strong aurora activity won’t help if the southern sky is obscured.
What time could the Southern Lights be visible tonight?
There is no precise viewing time for tonight’s potential display, as aurora activity can strengthen or fade quickly as conditions change. However, the Bureau says the best viewing times are generally between 10pm and 2am, when skies are at their darkest, with the brightest displays typically lasting between one and three hours.
That doesn’t mean the aurora will necessarily appear during that window tonight, so it is worth keeping an eye on conditions after dark. Displays can arrive in short bursts and may be faint to the naked eye, particularly this far north. A phone camera set to night mode or a longer exposure can also reveal pink, red or green colour that may be difficult to pick out by eye.
For the latest updates keep an eye on the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre website and the Aurora Australis Facebook group.
