TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Aurora Australis is poised to light up the skies across parts of Australia tonight, January 20th, as a severe geomagnetic storm sweeps past Earth.
The latest alert from the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre confirms that powerful solar activity could push the Southern Lights well beyond their usual range, potentially reaching Tasmania and Victoria, as well as parts of New South Wales, the ACT, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Drawing on insights from several trusted sources, here is a concise guide to viewing January's Aurora Australis.
What Time Can You See Aurora Australis Tonight?
Timing is critical for those hoping to witness the phenomenon. Southern Lights displays typically fluctuate in intensity over one to three hours and are most active between the late evening and early morning.
According to reports from Marie Claire and Time Out, the strongest viewing window usually falls between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, with auroral activity often peaking around midnight. The Bureau of Meteorology also issues Aurora Watch notices when conditions are favourable, making it worth checking official alerts before heading out.
Cities to Catch Aurora Australis Tonight
Based on the findings of the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, peak viewing times have been identified for the Aurora Australis, though tonight’s heightened geomagnetic activity could shift the spectacle beyond its usual window.
Under these stronger conditions, the lights may appear earlier in the evening and persist closer to dawn, offering stargazers a wider opportunity to catch the display if skies remain clear.
The following are the estimated peak windows for major regions:
NSW: 11:00 pm – 3:00 am AEDT
Victoria: 11:00 pm – 3:00 am AEDT
Tasmania: 11:00 pm – 3:00 am AEDT
ACT: 11:00 pm – 3:00 am AEDT
South Australia: 10:30 pm – 2:30 am ACDT
Queensland: 10:00 pm – 2:00 am AEST
Northern Territory: 9:30 pm – 1:30 am ACST
Western Australia: 8:00 pm – 12:00 am AWST
Maximizing Your Chances of Sighting Aurora Australis Tonight
The Bureau of Meteorology has maintained an aurora alert since January 19, giving sky watchers across Australia a strong reason to keep an eye on the night sky.
While sightings are never guaranteed, the alignment of clear skies, low light pollution, and surging solar activity could deliver a rare and vivid display.
The alert spans a broad geographic area, with the best viewing expected across southern states such as Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and southern Western Australia.
For the most accurate timing, stargazers are encouraged to monitor real-time updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center as conditions evolve.
For those lucky enough to catch the Aurora Australis tonight, being prepared with the right equipment is essential to capture the moment. For practical tips on settings, timing, and composition, check out how to photograph the northern lights before heading out under the stars.
Read: 7 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Western Australia
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