This has resulted in a severe geomagnetic storm that impacts Australia and consequently increases the possibilities of bright aurorae appearances occurring in regions other than their typical haunts in the south.
The disturbance is linked to increased solar activity which has resulted in charged particles moving toward Earth and dipping the Earth’s magnetic field, leading to strong currents flowing through the upper atmosphere.
According to space weather observers there are probabilities that after dark aurora could be seen from Tasmania and selected mainland areas depending on cloud cover and light pollution.
The auroras are created by particle interaction with gases high above the earth giving off energy in the form of glittering light.
In Australia, they are mostly limited to southern latitudes. During strong storm events an oval shaped area opens up to Victoria, southern New South Wales or even South Australia.
Aurora viewing can never be guaranteed and timing plays its part along with the magnetic field alignment of the solar wind. Favorable conditions can last for only a couple of hours.
Viewers are advised to look for aurorae to the south of their location after sunset and away from any sources of luminescence. Using long exposure film can record detail not visible to the naked eye.
In addition to the display event geomagnetic storms have real world implications.
Current induction may impact lengthy conductors such as electricity transmission lines and gas pipelines as well as ionospheric disruptions to high frequency radio communications and satellite derived air communications for aircraft.
In Australia, it is already standard practice to prepare for high levels of activity by altering processes in anticipation.
It comes just as interest in space weather is heating up with Australia increasing its use of satellite services in areas as diverse as agriculture, mining, logistics and emergency management.
Highly accurate positioning and timing underpin everything from autonomous machinery to bushfire responses.
That has sharpened attention on forecasting tools and data sharing with international partners who track solar conditions around the clock.
And scientists do say that heightened solar activity is expected to continue in the near term as the Sun moves through an active phase of its cycle.
That does not mean severe storms are routine but it does lift the odds of more frequent minor disturbances and the occasional strong event capable of pushing auroras north.
For families who want to see it patience will pay dividends. Clear skies, a dark southern horizon and a smidgen of luck can make a technical space weather bulletin into a memorable night.
For others, the storm is a reminder that the Sun’s moods still reach deep into daily life even on a calm evening under Australian skies.
