The Aurora Australis was spotted on Wellington's south coast. Photo / Jonathan Usher
The Aurora Australis was spotted on Wellington's south coast. Photo / Jonathan Usher
An aurora is set to light up New Zealand’s skies overnight tonight.
South Island residents have already been sharing photos of the dazzling pink, purple and pink skies.
Auroras are triggered by solar activity and interact with Earth’s magnetic field, causing geomagnetic storms.
An aurora has begun to light up New Zealand skies, with South Islanders already marvelling at the striking colours.
The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration space weather prediction centre predicted the phenomenon would likely be visible overnight.
South Island residents have already begun seeingpurple, pink and green hues across the sky this evening.
The particles then rise into the upper atmosphere and create vibrant colours in the sky such as green, pink, purple and red.
The Northern Lights is the most famous aurora and occurs anywhere within a 2500km radius of the North Pole, making Norway and Iceland some of the best places to see it.
The Aurora Australis is lighting up New Zealand skies. Photo / George Heard
Sightings of the Aurora Australis can happen year-round but are most common during the equinoxes in March and September as the long, dark nights increase the odds of seeing the light.
