A picture showing the spectacular aurora australis off the south coast of WA has captured the imagination of miles online, and one expert says he expects the wonder with an ever-increasing frequency in the years to come.
Key points:
- WA’s south coast sky green lights lit up this week, capturing the attention of thousands online
- Photographer Dougal Topping says there has been a recent shortage of aurora australis displays
- But one passionate aurora attendee says that, within a few years, the shows could happen every month
Photographer Dougal Topping’s photos of the southern skies blazing vibrant green Tuesday night from Albany have been shared hundreds of times since they were uploaded to social media this week.
The spectacular show overlooking the South Australian Ocean, in which streaks of green, pink and red light stretch across the night sky, came after what Mr Topping recently said the aurora activity.
But one expert says Australians should have more opportunities to see the amazing natural achievements within a few years, as land continues towards the next “highest supply”.
Coastal and remote areas for light displays
Mr Topping arrived at The Gap, a hanging tourist platform across the southern ocean south of Albany, late Tuesday night armed with a camera and hoping to be tested for a sky-catching display as a reward.
Designers know that even with a good preview there is no guarantee that the aurora will appear – but by knowing where and when to look they can improve their chances.
Mr Topping handed over his photographs but did not want to be interviewed.
However, another experienced aurora service provider, Grahame Kelaher, said there were reasons to be excited for years to come.
Mr Kelaher created the Western Australian aurora australis group about six years ago and closely monitors solar activity that determines whether aurora displays occur.
The next show could be as fast as four weeks away.
“We’re in an 11-year cycle,” he said.
“We’ve just entered the next solar cycle … so we have a few more years to reach the top [when aurora displays will be most frequent].
“At most and maybe a year on each side, you would expect a monthly event – maybe two – that we’ll see with it [only] the eyes. “
What causes aurora australis?
Aurora displays are caused by events starting millions of kilometers away near the surface of the sun.
In Mr. Kelaher’s words, when charged particles escape from the sun’s magnetic field they flow out into space and some collide in the earth’s atmosphere.
That tragedy, and how the feeling reacts, determines whether or not there will be an aurora.
The greater the number of grains hitting the atmosphere, the more the sky will show.
“When they hit the earth … they basically open up the earth’s magnetic field and particles flow down into the earth’s atmosphere and agus we get to see the beautiful lights and colors,” he said.
For Mr. Kelaher, knowing how solar forces work on the ground to create the aurora displays is just as exciting as the show itself.
“If you understand what’s going on with the energy and the earth, seeing the flow of colors across the horizon – it’s a very special feeling to see it and understand what’s going on in the planetary scale of things, “he said.
For those who want to see the scene for themselves, Mr Kelaher says keeping tabs on social media is the easiest way to get noticed.
“Use your night pictures and when it happens you’ll be ready,” he said.
“Keep your eye [social media] those pages [follow] an aurora.
“Read as much as you can, and when it happens you will understand and be ready to take pictures and enjoy.”