Catch a glimpse of Tasmania’s Southern Lights

You have no doubt heard of the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis that lights up the arctic sky and sends photographers into a frenzy. But did you know that a similar phenomenon can be seen from Tasmania? The Southern Lights, known as the Aurora Australis, is the southern hemisphere’s very own natural light show. If you are lucky enough, and the stars align, you may catch a glimpse during your Tasmanian holiday.

What is the Aurora Australis?

The Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, is a light show caused by the collision of electrically charged solar particles and gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. This impact causes an emission of light, a greenish-yellow hue from oxygen and a blue tone discharged from the reaction with nitrogen. This natural reaction causes these coloured lights to dance across the sky, captivating those lucky enough to witness the phenomenon.

Where can you catch the celestial display?

Southern hemisphere’s cosmic extravaganza is best seen from Antarctica, New Zealand, and Tasmania. While other southern regions of Australia are occasionally graced with a show, it is Australia’s smallest state that offers the biggest chance of catching the display. Mount Wellington near Hobart is considered to be the best spot to take it all in and is frequented by those chasing the Southern Lights. It is best to get away from the cityscapes and avoid light pollution to get the clearest view.

When are you most likely to get a glimpse?

If you are touring Tasmania in winter, you are more likely to catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights thanks to the earlier onset of darkness. While it is possible to be a spectator in nature’s radiant show year-round, it is a rare exposition. It is estimated by The Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment and Energy, that the possibility of catching the show is between 1 – 2 % on a clear night in Tasmania. However, if you do catch sight of this marvel, it is a moment you will never forget.

Keep your eyes on the sky for your chance to see the Southern Lights on your tour of Tasmania.