An aurora lit up skies over New Zealand’s South Island on Sunday night, with some people as far north as Auckland catching a glimpse. The light show did also return on Monday night, though experts weren’t certain it would.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted the aurora would continue overnight into Monday. However, predicting exactly when and how bright it will be is difficult. This display is part of a strong geomagnetic storm, but it’s not expected to be as powerful as the one seen in May 2024.
Auroras happen when the sun sends out bursts of energy, which interact with Earth’s magnetic field. The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, meaning more solar storms, sunspots, and auroras are likely.
Astronomer Rob Davison explained that while more solar activity increases the chances of seeing an aurora, it doesn’t guarantee one. He also shared tips for sky watchers: head as far south as possible and avoid city lights.
Since auroras can appear and vanish quickly, patience is key. Davison also reminded people to dress warmly, as they might need to wait outside in the dark for the best view.
