Western Australia in for a show as solar storm tipped to light up night’s sky with aurora

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Western Australia in for a show as solar storm tipped to light up night’s sky with aurora

Perth’s astronomy fans are being told to look up to the sky tonight with Perth in for its best shot at seeing an aurora since the start of the year — as long as the clouds don’t ruin the show.

According to Perth Observatory’s Matt Woods this is the best chance to see an aurora since January 1, with recent solar flares mostly hitting south west WA during the day or during heavy cloud cover.

He said the central Wheatbelt would likely be the best spot to see the aurora but areas like Mundaring Weir, Herron Point or Lake Leschenaultia were your best bets closer to Perth.

To have the best chance of seeing it you need a clear view to the south, away from city lights. Using a camera with a long exposure setting will make it more likely to see the vibrant colours.

“What we’re seeing is a solar storm that was released from the sun back yesterday and it’s finally starting to arrive and hit the Earth,” Mr Woods said.

“It’s going to probably hit later in the evening so probably early-evening onwards.

“What we’re seeing is the solar particles that are coming back along the magnetic field lines to the north and south pole and interacting with the oxygen and nitrogen in our atmosphere and causing them to excite like a neon sign and glow.”

Camera IconMr Woods said the exact timing of the Aurora could be unpredictable. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West ***********

While the predictions are pointing towards the light-show hitting on Sunday night, Mr Woods said you’ll have to play a patient waiting game.

“That’s the thing with auroras, they’re like meteor showers, comets and also with cats, only they know what they’ll do,” he said.

“It’s just one of those things you’ve just got to get prepared and start and just have a plan on where you’re going to go and just go out there.

“Even if it is cloudy just sit there and just relax and just take in the scenery, that’s all you can do. If you’re driving home after not being able to see it, at least you’ve gone out there and had just a quiet night to yourself or to the family.”

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