Perfect weather conditions bring another visible aurora australis to South Australian skies

Yet another stargazing spectacle has been captured over South Australia – and there’s still a chance to see it.

A colourful aurora australis – Southern Lights – lit up SA skies on Friday, with many early risers across the state catching a glimpse of the spectacular show.

The cosmic light show was sparked by a solar storm, as energy from the sun met the earth’s magnetic field.

The display showed vivid display of reds, pinks and greens in the sky across most parts of SA, including Port Elliot, Seaford, Brighton Beach, West Beach, Fairview Park, Port Noarlunga, Mount Barker, Freeling, Hope Valley, Ardrossan and Williamstown.

Aurora australis from Freeman Lookout at Port Elliot, 11th October 2024. Picture: Photography by Nikki

Saturday and Sunday will be mostly cloudy across the southern parts of the state, but clear in the northern and western parts. Picture: Theo Marinos

But if you missed this morning spectacle, don’t worry – as another aurora alert has been issued for Saturday, indicating the possibility of lights visible to the naked eye overnight.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre website has regular updates on the strength of the aurora, and has predicted unusual solar activity could mean more visible auroras over the weekend.

“If current conditions persist, aurora will be visible during local night hours tonight, with the evening hours likely to be most favourable,” a Bureau of Meteorology spokeswoman said.

Aurora are best viewed under a dark sky with little cloud cover and away from city lights.

Bright auroras usually last between one to three hours, and the best time to catch the celestial display is about 90 minutes after sunset or 90 minutes before sunrise.

Originally published as Perfect weather conditions bring another visible aurora australis to South Australian skies