Is it possible to observe aurora in the Southern Hemisphere?

Called the southern lights, or aurora australis, it’s the southern cousin to the aurora borealis and can best be seen from the most southern of landmasses, such as Tasmania, New Zealand and Antarctica.

Can you see aurora in Australia?

If you’ve ever heard of the aurora australis, you might wonder: is it possible to see the aurora australis in Australia? They are named for Australia, after all! Yes, it’s possible to see the aurora australis – also called the southern lights – in Australia! You just need to know when and where to go.

When can I see aurora australis?

The best time of year to see the lights is around winter and the equinox in September, but you can theoretically see the Southern Lights from Tasmania all year round.

Are Southern Lights as good as northern lights?

As mentioned above, there really is no significant difference between the Northern Lights and the Southern Lights. Both are truly wonderful and are something everyone should try and see.

Can you see the aurora australis from Melbourne?

Melbourne is the largest city in Victoria, so it’s not easy to find dark-sky spots in the city. For the aurora australis hunt, you will need to travel outside Melbourne wherever there’s an uninterrupted horizon view facing south.

What happened to the Southern Aurora?

Quick Statistics. In the late 1960s the Southern Aurora was a premier express train travelling between Sydney and Melbourne. On the morning of 7 February 1969, the express was Melbourne-bound travelling at 120 km per hour with 190 passengers on board when it crashed head-on with an Albury bound goods train.

Can you see the aurora from Melbourne?

In the Melbourne area There are several aurora-viewing locations closer to the city of Melbourne, but light pollution is higher. The coast near Melbourne oversees Port Phillip Bay, so if you head to the sanctuaries and smaller communities, you might be lucky to see the flickers of the southern lights.

Where are the southern lights visible?

New Zealand and Australia — in particularly the island of Tasmania — are generally considered the best places to see the Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis.

What time of year is best to see aurora australis?

winter
Unlike Aurora Borealis, which is subject to extreme seasonal light changes, the Southern Lights can be viewed all year round – although most commonly during winter, May to August, and during the spring equinox in September.

Can you see the Southern Lights in South Africa?

Generally, it is not possible to see the southern lights from South Africa, despite it being the southernmost country on the African continent.

What is the difference between aurora australis and aurora borealis?

Spoiler alert: both northern and southern lights are both types of Auroras. The main difference? One occurs near the south pole, and the others at the north. The scientific name for the northern lights is Aurora Borealis, while the scientific name for the southern lights is Aurora Australis.