Not easy to observe is an aurora, a form of light that occurs when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s magnetic field. The result is a spectacular picture of the sky, filled with colors, especially green and pink, but also blue and purple.
If we are near the North Pole, these phenomena are called aurora borealis or northern lights. If we are near the South Pole, they are called aurora australis or southern lights. The first is easily found in countries like Finland, Norway, Iceland, Northern Canada, Alaska or Greenland. Second, in Australia and New Zealand, fans and experts have been able to experience “unusually bright” auroras in recent days.
Aurora over South Bay in Kaikoura, New Zealand
This spectacle of nature is seen across much of New Zealand, prompting people to drive for hours to capture the best picture of this elusive phenomenon, reports Guardian. “We’ve seen some really nice auroras over the last few weeks,” says Ian Griffin, an astronomer and director of the Otago Museum.
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Griffin explains, “At this time of year, near the equinoxes, the Sun’s magnetic field and the Earth’s magnetic field are aligned so that when a solar storm occurs, objects fall into the Earth’s magnetic field.” Very easily”.
These southern lights are usually most visible from the South Island of New Zealand. However, in recent weeks, they have been spotted as far away as Auckland in the North Island. In addition, with special intensity, he assures.
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Southern Lights across New Zealand
Auroras australis do not go unnoticed by residents of New Zealand. Speaking to the outlet, Griffin explained that there are “many” places dark enough to see spectacular auroras, particularly south of Christchurch in the South Island or places without much light pollution.
This astronomer notes that auroras will become more prominent before 2026, when the sun will peak in New Zealand’s night sky.
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“Addiction” to see auroras australis
An aurora over South Bay in Kaikoura, New Zealand
To observe the phenomenon, groups have even been formed, giving indications of where to go or what is the best time to see the auroras. “It actually becomes an addiction because you’re always looking for when the next dawn will come,” he says. Guardian James O’Dea lives in Culverton, South Island.
He and his friends use apps to alert them of aurora spotting dates and rely on weather maps to find places with clear enough skies to take pictures.
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This man assures, “Many people will travel long distances to get a clear sky. No matter how many miles they put in, the effort is worth it: “You can get there, set up a camera, take a picture, and when the whole screen comes in color, it hits you. Far away.”
Last Friday, O’Dea spotted spectacular views of the aurora australis in Kaikoura, a coastal town north of Christchurch. His care is not easy. Those who arrived had to deal with light pollution and thirty tourists who used their phones to capture the perfect photo.
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