We've experienced a remarkable 18 months of aurora activity across Australia, with many breathtaking opportunities to witness the Southern Lights. As we approach the solar maximum, there's still a chance to catch a few more dazzling displays before the sun's activity begins to settle again. If you've been dreaming of witnessing this natural wonder, now is the time to take action.
1: Scout a Location During the Day.
Start by using Google Maps to find a spot close to home with a clear view to the south, away from urban areas that could introduce light pollution. You can use a tool like lightpollutionmap.info to identify dark sky areas, which are ideal for aurora viewing. It's also important to choose a location without high hills or tall buildings directly to the south, as you'll want an unobstructed view of the horizon. Visit the spot during the day to familiarise yourself with the area, so it's easy to navigate when you return at night.
2: Familiarise Yourself with the Night Sky.
Understanding the night sky will greatly enhance your aurora-viewing experience. Start by learning to recognise some of the brightest constellations, especially those visible to the south. The iconic Southern Cross and the two pointer stars, Alpha and Beta Centauri, are key to locating the Southern Celestial Pole, which points due south. Once you've identified these, you'll know exactly where to focus your gaze. For a deeper dive, check out my blog post, 'How to Find the Southern Celestial Pole,' which offers a step-by-step guide. You can use your phone compass but just be mindful that this can be inaccurate when you’re in your car, or close to any large metal/electronic objects.
3: Use Your Smartphone or Camera.
Even if you’re not attempting to shoot astrophotography, your smartphone or camera can be a valuable tool for aurora hunting. In Australia, our high latitude means we often only see the aurora during the strongest solar storms, and sometimes the display might only be visible through a camera lens. I have a fantastic blog called 'A Beginner's Guide to Astrophotography' that provides tips on how to plan your shoot and the settings you'll need on your manual camera. But even without that, using your camera or phone can help you pick up more light and colour than the naked eye can see. There may be times when the aurora is faint and appears as a dusty haze on the horizon. In these cases, taking a three-second or longer exposure with your phone camera can confirm whether or not you’re seeing the aurora.
4: Stay on Top of the Alerts.
For those new to aurora hunting, the best way to stay informed is by following experts who monitor and interpret space weather. Facebook groups like Southern Hemisphere Aurora Group and Aurora Australis Western Australia are great resources, but the absolute leader in this field is PacMan Space Weather. These experts analyse data from the Sun to predict when auroras might be visible. After a solar flare erupts on the Sun's surface, it can take between twenty-four and seventy-two hours for the energy to reach Earth. However, even when this energy passes satellites stationed about forty-five minutes to an hour and a half ahead of Earth, it's still not guaranteed that we'll see an aurora. The moment of truth only comes when that energy hits Earth's atmosphere. So, staying up-to-date with real-time alerts is crucial if you want the best chance of catching a display.
5: Have Patience and Be Prepared for the Long Haul.
Seeing the aurora is a game of patience. It’s not uncommon to spend many nights under the stars before witnessing the elusive Southern Lights. For context; in 2023, I spent I think 16 nights out under the stars and was rewarded with 6 aurora viewings. The truth is, auroras can never be guaranteed or perfectly forecasted. Your best chance is to pack a camp chair, a warm jacket, a cozy blanket, and a hot drink, then head to that dark location you’ve scouted and settle in for the night. Even if the aurora doesn’t appear, you'll be treated to shooting stars, the opportunity to identify constellations, and a peaceful experience under the stars. And when you’re quiet and still, immersed in the night, you’re more likely to encounter the subtle beauty of nature, making the outing worthwhile regardless.
6: Use No Light at All.
Once you arrive at your location, it's crucial to turn off all lights and avoid looking at your phone. Many people don't realise that it can take up to twenty minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the darkness. Each time you glance at your phone, you're making it harder to see the stars, and you might be missing out on a potential aurora display. Additionally, be mindful of others around you—using a phone or light can spoil their chances of enjoying the night sky too.
I hope these tips inspire you to get out there and embrace the wonders of the night sky. Stargazing and hunting for the aurora are experiences like no other—whether you catch the Southern Lights or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the stars. Remember, patience and preparation are key, but the reward of witnessing the aurora is truly worth the effort. I wish you clear skies and unforgettable nights under the stars.
If you would like to try to photograph the southern Lights yourself you will find my article A Begninners Guide to Astrophotography.
If you would like more handss on help taking beautiful photos of the night sky you would love my Astrophotography Workshops. You can find all the info here...
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