Aurora australis lights up the sky above South Australia sparking some spectacular images

It’s one of the most spectacular phenomena in the sky and there has been no shortage of beautiful pictures after the southern lights were on show about SA. See the amazing images.

Amateur photographers across the state have captured the spectacular phenomenon known as aurora australis, also known as the southern lights, on Sunday.

The aurora became visible around sunset and by 7.30pm several pictures from around the state were posted on the Facebook page aurora australis.

Aurora australis lights up the South Australian sky. Live view from 38,000 feet as a plane descends into Adelaide. Picture: Gemma Jones

Aurora australis at Middleton. Picture: Graham Wilkins/aurora australis Facebook page

Aurora australis lights up the sky in the South East. Picture: Amber Buhlmann/aurora australis Facebook page

Send us your aurora snaps on the Facebook post below.

Aurora australis in the South East. Picture: Kate Cardinal/aurora australis Facebook page

Aurora australis at Mt Gambier. Picture: Xena Equus/aurora australis Facebook page

Aurora australis lights up the sky in Mannum. Picture: Janice Mildwaters

Aurora australis lights up the sky in Middleton. Picture: Christy Dellaney

Aurora australis lights up the sky in Tantanoola. Picture: Darren Wirth

Some spectacular shots were posted from Mt Gambier and the South East. Many Adelaide residents said clouds were interrupting their view but others were able to see the lights.

The aurora was also visible from the air. The Advertiser editor Gemma Jones captured a stunning image from 38,000 feet as her plane started its descent into Adelaide.

The phenomenon is caused by an interaction between the solar wind and the earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.

It is best viewed from southern parts of Australia, New Zealand and the southern tips of Chile and Argentina. Its northern counterpart is called the aurora borealis, or northern lights.

Originally published as Aurora australis lights up the sky above South Australia sparking some spectacular images