The skies over Australia are set to be illuminated by the aurora australis as a severe solar storm continues to unfold. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued an alert for January 20, predicting that the geomagnetic storm could make these stunning light displays visible across much of the country, including parts of Victoria and New South Wales.
This phenomenon, commonly known as the southern lights, is the result of solar particles and plasma colliding with Earth’s magnetic field. According to Australian astrophysicist and author Sara Webb, a significant flare of energy and material was ejected from the sun on January 18, and it began impacting Earth late last night.
Understanding Solar Storms and Their Impact
Solar storms, much like terrestrial weather, are natural occurrences on the sun. Webb explains, “A solar storm is a sudden event on the surface of the sun, where particles and plasma are ejected away from the surface and into space.” These particles can interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating the aurora australis.
The current storm is noteworthy for its intensity. Shawn Dahl from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) noted that such a powerful storm has not been observed in over two decades. This could lead to auroras being visible in regions where they are not typically seen.
Where and When to Witness the Aurora Australis
For those eager to witness this celestial event, the BoM suggests that under optimal conditions, the aurora could be visible as far north as the middle latitudes of Australia. Hannah Schunker, a physicist at the University of Newcastle, advises that New Zealand and Tasmanian viewers have the best chances, given their proximity to the South Pole.
Schunker adds that while most Australians are far from the poles, recent years have been favorable for aurora sightings. She encourages those interested to find a location with a clear view of the southern horizon and minimal artificial lighting. The display could occur at any moment and typically lasts between 20 minutes to an hour.
Global Reach and Potential Disruptions
While Australians may have a front-row seat to this spectacle, Webb points out that other parts of the world, including North America and Europe, will also have opportunities to view similar displays. However, the storm’s intensity raises concerns about potential disruptions to technology and infrastructure.
According to Schunker, the solar storm could alter Earth’s magnetic field, potentially affecting satellite operations and GPS communications. “The Earth’s atmosphere can increase in size and density, changing the height and speed of satellites in orbit, resulting in inaccurate GPS signals and errors in communications,” she explains.
“Another is that the Earth’s rapidly changing magnetic field can generate very strong electric currents which can severely damage power grids,” Schunker noted.
While there is no immediate threat to Australia’s power grid, past incidents in other regions have led to significant impacts. Power companies and satellite operators are on alert, monitoring for any anomalies.
Preparedness and Future Outlook
Despite the potential for disruptions, Webb reassures that there is no immediate cause for alarm. “There is a non-zero chance that we could see outages or planned shutdowns of power grids and satellite systems,” she says. Historical events have shown that some systems struggle during large geomagnetic storms, occasionally affecting air traffic control.
In New Zealand, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reports no significant impacts are expected, even as the storm intensifies. Transpower, the national grid operator, has contingency plans in place, ensuring consumer electricity supply remains unaffected.
As the solar storm progresses, the world watches both the skies and the ground, balancing the awe of natural beauty with the vigilance required to protect critical infrastructure. For many, the chance to witness the aurora australis is a rare and welcome opportunity to connect with the wonders of the universe.
