Photo by Patrick Wynne
One of the most powerful solar storms in more than two decades is currently unfolding across the globe, and there is a genuine chance the aurora could be visible across large parts of southern Australia tonight.
Space weather agencies are monitoring a severe geomagnetic storm, described as the strongest since 2003 and among the top 10 most intense on record. While the event peaked earlier over the Northern Hemisphere, conditions are now trending favourably for Australia, with the potential for aurora sightings after sunset tonight, Tuesday January 20, and into the early hours of Wednesday January 21.
The timing is not ideal, as much of the strongest activity occurred during Australian daylight hours. However, forecasters say there is a decent chance the storm will linger long enough for Australians to catch a glimpse once darkness falls, provided key solar wind conditions hold.
According to the latest updates, several critical indicators are improving, including solar wind speed and the Bz magnetic field component, both of which play a major role in how far equatorward the aurora can extend. Recent 30-minute aurora probability maps are showing strong signals, with widespread red colouring indicating heightened activity once darkness arrives.
If conditions persist, the aurora may be visible across Tasmania, Victoria, southern Western Australia, southern and south eastern South Australia, the ACT, and the southern half of New South Wales, with the glow potentially reaching close to the Queensland and Northern Territory borders. In some locations, the aurora may be visible to the naked eye, while in others it is more likely to be captured through long-exposure photography.
Cloud cover remains the biggest wildcard. Areas with clear skies, particularly those with an unobstructed southern horizon, will have the best chance. Observers are advised to head well away from city lights, find a dark location, and look south from around one to two hours after sunset, once twilight has fully faded.
Even if the aurora is faint, cameras may reveal colours and structures not visible to the naked eye, a common feature during geomagnetic storms of this nature.
Forecasters caution that aurora events remain unpredictable, and visibility can change rapidly. While uncertainty remains, the latest data suggests conditions are improving rather than deteriorating, making tonight one of the best aurora opportunities Australia has seen in years.
For real-time updates, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre is continuing to track the event through its Space Weather Status Panel.
Good luck to all the aurora hunters out there, tonight could be one for the history books!
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. Here’s some good SA viewing locations.
- 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.
FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE AURORA FORECASTS:
