The Aurora Australis
This article compliments the one I wrote on the Northern Lights (Borealis). Also known as the Southern Lights, this breathtaking natural phenomenon illuminates the southern polar skies with vibrant colors and patterns.
Similarities with Aurora Borealis:
- Caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere
- Excited atoms and molecules emit light, producing spectacular displays
Differences:
- Location: Southern Hemisphere, near the Antarctic Circle
- Visibility: Less frequent and less intense than Aurora Borealis due to fewer landmasses and more cloud cover
- Seasonality: March to September (southern autumn and winter)
Optimal viewing locations:
- Antarctica (research stations)
- Australia (Tasmania, southern Victoria)
- New Zealand (Invercargill, Dunedin) - Chile (Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego)
- Argentina (Patagonia, Ushuaia)
- Falkland Islands - South Africa (southern tip)
Additional Info:
- The Aurora Australis is less studied than the Aurora Borealis due to fewer land-based observation points.
- The Southern Lights have been observed by astronauts on the International Space Station.
- Aurora Australis displays are often more diffuse and less frequent than Aurora Borealis.
See my previous blog post for more detailed info on the Northern Lights.
Cameo Anderson is a fine artist specializing in northern breed portraits that feature the sprawling tundra/northern lights. She has been painting these portraits professionally for over 20 years. Her clients include rescues like - Husky Halfway House & Alley's Rescued Angels - Professional racing teams like Team Ineka & Team Tsuga Siberians - & over 1,000 private collectors.