December 18, 2017
9 mins Read
Fifteen years ago Margaret Sonnemann was driving from Launceston to Hobart when she noticed something in the sky that made her pull over in shock.
This was Margaret’s first glimpse of the Southern Lights. Back then, there was no portal available to discuss this amazing natural phenomenon. Today her Facebook group, Aurora Australis Tasmania, has more than 101,000 members, but the fact that Tasmania just might be the best vantage spot in the world to view the Southern Lights remains largely unknown.
“Australians are so privileged to be able to see the Southern Lights,” Margaret said. We think so too. So here’s the why, how, when and where…
The Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, happens when the sun releases a massive burst of solar wind and magnetic fields into space, also known as CME (coronal mass ejections).
These solar winds carry particles which interact with earth’s magnetic field, colliding to produce energy releases in the form of auroras.
“Auroras are more frequent and brighter during the intense phase of the solar cycle when coronal mass ejections increase the intensity of the solar wind,” says Margaret Sonnemann, author of The Aurora Chaser’s Handbook.
Given that earth’s magnetic field is closest to its surface at the North and South poles, Antarctica and Tasmania are the best spots for seeing the Southern Lights given their close proximity to them.
Photographer Paul Fleming’s eerie take on the Tasmania’s Southern Lights.
If you Google pictures of both the Southern and Northern lights you will see images of skies full of rich greens and vivid blues, or wild swirls of reds and purples. But often this is not what the naked eye can see.
“To the naked eye, an aurora will look more like a white flickering light,” says James Garlick, who has been photographing the Southern Lights for years, with one of his photos even featured on an Australian postage stamp. “It could be mistaken for a cloud. It’s not until you do a long exposure with the camera that the colours are revealed.”
Matt Glastonbury (see first photo at top of post), another avid Southern Lights photographer, revels in the way they move through the night sky.
“They are like dancing curtains of light across the sky,” he says. “The size of them is incredible – beams of light are shooting right up into the atmosphere. It is really magical to see them moving around right in front of you.”
The Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) shines from Goats Bluff, Tasmania (Photo: James Garlick)
In short, “all over Tasmania,” says Margaret Sonnemann.
The main obstructions to viewing the Southern Lights are large mountain ranges, trees and city (and light) pollution. There are, however, some places that photographers favour due to their landscape qualities.
Photographer Paul Fleming prefers South Arm Peninsula, 40 kilometres south east of Hobart, for his Aurora views. “There are lots of beaches and still, wide shallow bays. It’s a good spot for nice reflection shots with waves crashing in the foreground.”
Matt Glastonbury has two favourite spots: Dodges Ferry, about 40 kilometres east of Hobart, and Cockle Creek, on the southern tip of Tassie, 120 kilometres south-west of Hobart. “Both of those places have little light pollution,” he says. “The less of that you get the better.”
The reason the Northern Lights are often talked about more than the Southern Lights, is because there are far more vantage points accessible to see the Northern Lights, such as Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Northern Canada and Russia – when you’re talking about seeing the Southern Lights, it’s a little harder.
The reason for this is the location of the land down south, as in, there isn’t much of it. The spots with the best vantage points have no land – just water – which makes it difficult! However, there are a few spots that will show off this natural phenomenon with gusto, the trick is to being as far south as possible, which is why Tasmania is such a good bet.
In order to give yourself the best chance of seeing the Aurora Australis in all its glory, it’s best to head to Point Lonsdale, the south side of Phillip Island, Aireys Inlet, Angelsea, or wherever you can get a full horizon view.
There are a few places in New Zealand that have proven to be fruitful when it comes to spotting the Southern Lights. The city of Christchurch, the small village of Lake Tekapo and Stewart Island. However, no place records more sightings of the Southern Lights in New Zealand than Queenstown. Several times throughout the year, the city is awash with the brilliance of the bright lights in the sky caused by Aurora Australis.
For a comprehensive guide on the best places to see the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) and where to stay head here.
Sheep graze in New Zealand, oblivious to the Southern Lights show going on overhead.
Theoretically speaking the equinox (in September) should be the best time for viewing the Southern Lights, but this isn’t always the case. Since the Aurora is based on sunspots and massive bursts of solar winds, scientific predictions can be unreliable.
Unlike the Northern hemisphere, which is subject to extreme seasonal light changes, the Southern Lights can be viewed from Tasmania all year round. It is worth noting (and to some a tad obvious) that the lights can only really be seen at night time, therefore winter is ideal, given daylight savings in Tasmania can stretch the light until 10pm.
Stampworthy – James Garlick’s image of the Aurora Australis.
Unsurprisingly, it’s best to view or photograph the lights on a clear, dark night. If you can position yourself looking away from the city, you’ll limit the artificial light, lowlight and air pollution that can affect how vivid the lights look to the naked eye.
Even moonlight can affect how clearly you see the Aurora, so a night with a full moon is probably not ideal.
You also won’t be able to see the light show on an overcast night, as Auroras happen in the upper atmosphere, meaning any cloud cover will cover the show!
There are a few tips any budding photographer needs to know before attempting to photograph the Southern Lights – if you want a frame-worthy result, that is.
Southern Lights, Aurora Australis, visible from New Zealand.
For smart phone applications, Matt Glastonbury suggests Star Walk, an interactive astronomy guide.
Aurora Forecast has several real-time maps of the atmosphere and shows how much it is hitting the earth at any given time
Spaceweather.com includes visual representation of plasma coming out of the sun.
Stay tuned in to pages with members who are incredibly invested in the Aurora Australis, and courteously update fellow members with news of an incoming lights show. The Aurora Australis Tasmania Facebook group is often how many photographers find the lights with members posting real-time alerts.
Tasmania is fast becoming one of the food and wine capitals in the country. While you’re there, be sure to spend a night in the Henry Jones Art Hotel. Situated perfectly in Hobart city centre, you’ll be close to everything happening nearby, like the famous Salamanca Markets – or the Farm Gate Market if you’d like to do it less like a tourist and more like a local.
It’s also worth taking a road trip to Cradle Mountain, where you can take part in an invigorating walking holiday among the picturesque landscape, or visit the renowned National Park. Check in with the local wilderness and set up camp in one of the Park’s on site cabins.
If food and wine are more your thing, you can’t go past beautiful Launceston. Jump in your car and drive through Tasmania until you reach your destination, where you’ll be delighted to find that Launceston and the Tamar Valley have over 30 vineyards to choose from. The region, famed for its cool-climate wines, is now also home to a growing number of beer and cider producers, such as Boag’s Brewery and Red Brick Cider House.
If it’s a great, hearty meal you’re after you can’t go past Launceston’s Black Cow Bistro, which specialises in the finest Tasmanian beef from local producers. The Black Cow Wagyu fillet is our recommendation time and time again.
It is also the perfect state for a long, indulgent road trip. Spend seven days taking in some of the best highlights of Tasmania along this road trip route that loops from Launceston to Cradle Mountain, Hobart, Coles Bay and back to Launceston (with plenty of great stops and detours along the way.
If you're ready for adventure, buckle up for the scenic, gourmet drive of your life... Tasmania’s North East is the home of stunning coastline, ecl...
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So glad to see an article that informs Australians of an amazing “birthright”: the aurora australis.
Great that someone is taking the time to explain that this phenomena exists in the Southern Hemisphere as it does in the North. I have seen the lights in both North and South and am amazed each time I have the privilege to watch the dancing sky. My only viewing of the Aurora Australia was way back when I was at school-1950’s. I remember this great red coloration in the Southern sky. Of course we did not know what it was until next day it was explained in the daily paper. I have never forgotten it and would love to see them again in the South.
How regular are they appearing in the South. Could one plan a trip with some certainty of a viewing as they do in the North.
Get the Tasmanians active in promoting this attraction.
Fantastic info on the Aurora Australia. I would be extremely grateful if I could get some more travel and accommodation info, as I would love to see this beautiful spectacle.
Thanking you kindly.
Hi Ann,
Special, huh! You can browse our Tasmania content, plenty of ideas there. Or alternatively try tourism Tasmania’s website – http://www.discovertasmania.com.au
Hope you get there one day soon.
Regards,
Steve
Hi there,
I’m planning on making a trip down to Tasmania around September. Just trying to get an idea of what I will see. Is the aurora australis only colourful through a camera? To the naked eye, will it just be white?
Thanks
Hi Czar,
Best to talk to the Aurora ‘chasers’. They will be able to fill you in on everything else you need to know. The Aurora Australis Tasmania Facebook page is a great place to ask your question: https://www.facebook.com/groups/auroraaustralis/?fref=ts
Good luck on your quest for the Lights.
Regards.
Hi Steve,
Last year I went to Hobart in the month of August. But as I was unaware of the fact of the Southern Lights,I missed that… If I visit there again,I will surely catch that up..
Thank you for the information,
Sri.
Thanks
Please kindly enlighten.
The above article seems to suggest that the aurora seen by the naked eye is a puff or white clouds, the colours are only seen through the lens of the camera.
Can someone please clarify if we actually see the lights ‘dancing’ in the sky.
Thanks
In response to Augustine. In Warrnambool, Victoria late July 1998 I clearly saw red and green rays and bands of ‘cloud’ or light in the night sky. The aurora Australis. To answer your question. The light is visible to the naked eye in color.
I am 74 years old but I remember seeing the lights when I was a teenager. I am a south Australian And went to Woodfield high School. Lived in a district called Draper and was fortunate to see the lights one evening and in all it’s glory and the lights were green. After all these years can still remember this awesome sight but didn’t release what they were until many years later. Only saw them on one occasion but there they were for all to see with the naked eye. When I was a teenager the skies were clear, no smog or light pollution and the Milky Way could be seen every night. Have never been to Tasmania but a always wanted to now it’s a must. Would love to experience these lights again
What type of camera would I need? I currently only have a canon 700D
Hi, my family would like to visit Tasmania to view the southern lights. May I know which part of Tasmania we need to stay in order to view the lights. Is there any public transport there from airport if we do not drive.
When would be right timing to sight sounthern aurora in Tasmania and nice spot to sight?.its duration so that i could plan my holidays thanks
Thanks so much for you information. I’m heading to Tasmania next month (September 2016) and am so hoping that I am privileged enough to view this phenomena.
Do you think we can see the southern lights in mid December 2016?
Hi Molly, It’s not peak season but it is possible – you may be lucky. If you are going to Tassie specifically to see the lights, winter is your best chance. Check out the resources on the article for more information. Good luck!
I am planning to go Tas in Jun 2017 with my kids. Do you think I will be able to see Southern lights with naked eyes?
Interested in knowing best times and locations in 2017 to see Southern Lights
Hi Guys, coming from Brisvegas we really need to plan air flights in advance. Would B.O,M. or another website be able to give me weekend dates for later this year that might be a possible shot at seeing the lights. We went to Cockle Creek August last year but it rained the entire weekend and it was a waning moon so not the best opportunity, appreciate guideance. thanks Kathy
Looks like the sky will be active tonight most of the night, but especially good from 1-4am. Unfortunately lots of cloud. Maybe Albany WA will get some clear sky though…
Much thank for information. Helpful indeed. Appreciate much. Tasmania beautiful place. Can article translate to
Hi Tustuyu, We are looking into translating articles, but at the moment, no, we aren’t able to translate into other languages. Let us know if you have any specific questions and we’ll see what we can do. Regards,
I will be visiting Tasmania in mid July 2017. What are the chances of my seeing the southern lights and where would be the most likely place to see them at this time of the year?
Hi Yunus, The darkness of winter is the best chance to see the Lights, but they are very unpredictable, as is nature’e way. Check out the article for some hotspots and websites to see updates. Good luck on your quest. Cheers
Will the moonlight affect the visual of the aurora??
coming from W.A when is the best time to go to Tassie and see a few consistant nights. Any experience on the Northern nights wanting to do them as well. Thank you Janet
great information.
We missed lights in Iceland 2 years ago because of fly out times.
We can go back in the next 4 years to see them free but the $20,000 for both of us is a bit steep
………..fffffantastic ! We’re heading to Tassie in Feb 19 and looking forward to everything it has to offer. I was there as a child in the 50’s to meet rellies and may hopefully catch up with someone in Launceston.
My grandfather worked on the suspension bridge over the Tamar way back when.
So want to do this. Have been to Tassie a couple of times and would love to go again.
Very keen to see Aurora Australis in September. Are there tours available with whom you could put me in contact, please? Best wishes,
Tim Green
0438 318 678
You can photograph the auroras on a smart phone! There are apps that make it entirely possible. I have done it myself in Finland a few years ago and have some brilliant photos. Maybe not as good as an SLR!!
I would really love to see the Southern Lights. I’ll be planning a trip just as soon as it’s safe to travel.