The skies could put on another spectacular show tonight, just two weeks after the last aurora sighting. People across Australia, including parts of New South Wales, could once more spot the Aurora Australis, with space weather forecasters saying conditions remain favourable for the Southern Lights to appear much further north than usual. The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) has issued an alert confirming storm activity is underway, with sightings possible beyond Tasmania to include parts of Victoria, NSW, the ACT, SA and WA, and potentially into northern NSW if skies are clear. The best chance to spot the lights is 75 minutes after sunset. Here’s everything you need to know about where and how to see the Southern Lights tonight near Sydney and around NSW.
What is Aurora Australis?
The Aurora Australis forms when charged particles from the sun collide with gases high in Earth’s atmosphere, producing soft hues of green, pink and violet across the night sky. The display is usually confined to far-southern latitudes, which is why sightings from mainland Australia are so uncommon. Tonight’s surge in solar activity has pushed the lights further north than usual, allowing a rare window where they may appear low on the southern horizon for several hours after dark.
When to look tonight
The best chance to spot the lights is once the sky is fully dark, with forecasters suggesting activity could pick up about an hour after sunset. Displays are usually strongest later in the evening and into the early morning, with the strongest chances to view the lights often falling between 10pm and 2am. Clear skies are key, and the darker your surroundings and the clearer your view to the south, the better your chances of spotting any colour.
Where can you see aurora australis in NSW
Your best chances are in southern NSW, where the lights are most likely to appear low on the horizon. Coastal headlands, high lookouts and open areas with a clear view to the south usually work best, especially along the South Coast and around the Southern Tablelands.
Areas around Jervis Bay, Kangaroo Valley, the Snowy Mountains foothills and parts of the Sapphire Coast are all well placed to catch a glimpse. If you’re in Sydney, heading out of the city is key. Options include the Southern Highlands, the coast south of Wollongong, or darker sky areas like Coonabarabran, home to the Southern Hemisphere’s first Dark Sky Park, and Sydney’s own Urban Night Sky Place.
For live updates, follow the Australian Aurora Hunters Facebook page and check alerts from the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre.