Stargazers in some parts of the country could be treated to a dazzling display of aurora tonight, according to Stardome.
“A strong coronal mass ejection that erupted from our Sun yesterday is expected to reach Earth’s magnetic field within the next few hours. This could bring the possibility of aurora being visible from southern parts of Aotearoa New Zealand tonight,” Stardome said on social media this evening.
The observatory said the phenomenon “is likely to spark a G2 (moderate) to G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm”.
Stardome said the best view was from southern parts of the country with clear skies and minimal light pollution.
“Aurora strength is notoriously hard to predict, but there’s always a chance of a stronger display which sometimes is visible as far north as Auckland, as we’ve seen several times over the past year.”
Astronomer Rob Davison told 1News last year that there were a few key things to remember for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of an aurora.
“Increased solar activity improves the chances of a good auroral display, but it does not guarantee it,” he said.
“Aurorae can also peak and then disappear in a relatively short amount of time.”
He also said aurora watchers should remember to bundle up as they “may need to be outside for some time while their eyes adjust to the dark and while they wait for the peak of any display to appear”.
On Sunday, a US astronaut recorded a rare red aurora from the International Space Station.
A red aurora is associated with intense solar activity.
