Dazzling aurora australis display lights up Australian skies

Aurora chasers have been treated to a stunning southern lights display which lit up Australia's skies this morning.

Earlier this week the Bureau of Meteorology predicted unusual solar activity this week may result in visible aurora australis – also known as southern lights – on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Strong solar winds interacting with the earth's magnetic field may move into the earth's atmosphere and light up some parts of the sky, the bureau said.

Photographers in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia were treated to stunning pink and purple hues across the sky this morning.

Monash School of Physics and Astronomy Associate Professor Michael Brown said it was hard to tell how bright the aurora may be or when it will pop up.

"The sun has been particularly active this week and could lead to excellent auroral displays on Thursday, Friday or Saturday night," he said.

"Exactly when the best aurora will be visible is unclear, as aurora can be fickle and fleeting. 

"But there are aurora spotting social media accounts that can help tell you what's visible from your part of Australia at any given hour."

The prime locations to observe the southern lights are by a dark beach or a hill with minimal light pollution.

Brown said keen observers should look for areas with clear views of the southern horizon.

"Auroras are easy to photograph with your mobile phone, which can bring out colours and details that may not be readily apparent to the unaided eye," he added.

Auroras are best seen in southern parts of Australia, including south-east Victoria and Tasmania.

Colourful geomagnetic storms are also forecast in North America this week, with areas such as Alabama and northern California set to play host to a visible solar flare.

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