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How to See the Aurora Australis

The Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights, is the southern counterpart of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). A phenomenon caused by solar winds in the earth's atmosphere, the Aurora Australis occurs around the Earth's southern magnetic pole and can be seen when solar activity is high. Knowing when and where to go for optimal viewing is key, though.

Instructions

- 1
  Go to one of the geographic locations in the world where the Aurora Australis can be viewed. This includes Antarctica and southern regions of South America, New Zealand and Australia.
- 2
  Plan your trip during what would be our spring and summer months, which is actually their autumn and winter. Especially in Antarctica, there is sunlight almost 24 hours a day from about October to February, making the aurora impossible to see.
- 3
  Look for the aurora when it is very dark outside. The sky should be cloud and moon-free.
- 4
  Head for a remote locale that is away from city lights. Artificial lights will dilute the aurora and diminish your chances of seeing it.
- 5
  Check auroral activity levels for optimum viewing times. The SEC's website provides a number indicating current activity level based on their satellite system NOAA POES, along with a map showing the current activity (see link below). Activity is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with greatest activity being a 10.

Astronomy