Australians were treated to a rare sight on the evening before Mother’s Day as they witnessed a stunning display of the aurora australis, also known as the southern lights. Social media was flooded with photos of the vibrant pinks, greens, and blues lighting up the skies from various locations across the country.
Typically, auroras are only visible near the Earth’s north and south poles, with Tasmania being the usual viewing spot in Australia. However, due to unique space weather conditions, people were able to see the aurora as far north as Queensland this time.
The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre issued a warning of a potential extreme geomagnetic storm on Saturday morning, which excited many Australians. Those who received the warning or happened to look outside that evening were rewarded with an incredible spectacle. Unfortunately, by Sunday evening, the chance of seeing the aurora had diminished, leaving hopeful viewers disappointed.
Auroras are connected to the Sun’s magnetic field, and their occurrence is influenced by the solar cycle, an 11-year period of increased and decreased solar activity. Currently, we are approaching the solar cycle maximum, which means there are more sunspots on the Sun’s surface.
Sunspot regions have strong magnetic fields that can lead to solar flares and coronal mass ejections. When these eruptions are directed towards Earth, they interact with our planet’s magnetic field and the plasma in the ionosphere, resulting in the formation of auroras. The conditions created by these events are known as space weather.
While everyday space weather poses no threat, geomagnetic storms can have significant impacts on power supply, satellites, communications, and GPS systems. The recent geomagnetic storm that produced the aurora display was the most intense since November 2003. Fortunately, there were no major disruptions to power grids, but SpaceX’s Starlink constellation reportedly experienced some issues.
Predicting geomagnetic storms is challenging due to the complex physics involved. Even when eruptions are observed on the Sun, it is difficult to determine if and when they will reach Earth and how strong their effects will be. Predicted arrival times can be off by up to 12 hours, and the strength of an impending geomagnetic storm can only be assessed when it reaches monitoring spacecraft near our planet. This leaves aurora hunters with only a few hours of advanced notice to decide whether it’s worth venturing outside.
As for future aurora displays, the sunspot region responsible for the recent one is still active, but it is no longer facing Earth directly. However, as we approach the solar cycle maximum, it is likely that other large sunspot regions will form and potentially produce more spectacular aurora displays.
To check for aurora forecasts, it is recommended to rely on official sources such as the Bureau of Meteorology’s Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre or the United States NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. These agencies not only provide aurora forecasts but also play a crucial role in safeguarding infrastructure from the negative impacts of space weather.
Scientists in Australia and around the world are continuously working to improve our understanding and prediction of space weather events. By studying the Sun’s magnetic activity and developing advanced forecasting models, we can better prepare for future space weather events and protect important technologies. Additionally, a better understanding of space weather allows people to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon that lights up the sky and evokes a sense of wonder.
