People across Tasmania catch aurora australis in a stunning display

‘Brilliant’, ‘spectacular’ are a few words to describe the aurora australis that danced across the skies last night.

Aurora australis as seen from near Dunalley. Picture: Caroline Tan

Social media feeds have flooded with spectacular images of the aurora australis from last night.

Avid hunters of the phenomenon were on red alert with the possibility of a clear, visible and strong aurora.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued an Aurora Alert just before 9.30pm on Friday night.

It was caused by a geomagnetic storm that was in progress.

Aurora australis as seen from near Dunalley. Picture: Caroline Tan

Photos of Aurora Australis taken across Tasmania. Hobart waterfront. Picture: Philip Young

While the alert said it was good observing conditions at high latitudes, Tasmanians across the state caught the aurora with the naked eye.

One experienced at seeing such displays is Ian South, who recently moved to Ross.

He and his wife Belinda didn’t have to venture far, capturing a “beautiful” display at the end of their street at the church.

“Every time I hear about one I like to get out and have a look,” Mr South said.

“When the alert on our app went red, I knew it was going to be a good one. It didn’t disappoint.”

Photos of aurora australis taken across Tasmania. Ross. Picture: Ian South

He said it didn’t quite reach the spectacular heights the aurora in May hit, which he caught from his back deck at Sandford.

“It was a little harder to see, but still spectacular,” he said.

“I just love seeing the colours … you never know what you’re going to see.

“If people want to see it, go out and experience it. You’ll never ever regret it.”

Photos of Aurora Australis taken across Tasmania. Lenah Valley. Picture: Kay Yan (Grace) Chan

At Lenah Valley, Kay Yan (Grace) Chan snapped the aurora from her backyard, saying it was more spectacular than the last one she had seen a couple months ago.

“The weather last night was great, with not many clouds in the sky. I could see aurora in naked eyes and the aurora was dancing,” she said.

Photos of Aurora Australis taken across Tasmania. Boomer Bay looking southeast. Picture: Bruce Levett

In the South-East, people were also gathering to take a photograph with local Bruce Levett saying quite a few people were driving around down past Dunalley setting their cameras ready for ‘that’ photo.

“We spoke to a couple visiting from NSW who were thrilled they could chance on an active aurora,” Mr Levett said.

The photos he took were from Boomer Bay looking southeast around 9pm.

“Sitting in the dark, we were privileged to be able to watch the outdoor performance for nearly an hour and took the photos from our deck,” he said.

Photos of Aurora Australis taken across Tasmania. Boomer Bay looking southeast. Picture: Bruce Levett

>>> Did you take a stunning photo of the Aurora you’d like to share? Email it through to us: [e-mail]

Originally published as People across Tasmania catch aurora australis in a stunning display