Great Barrier Island stargazers might be in for a rare treat this week, with the Aurora Australis expected to make an appearance — though experts caution it’s difficult to predict exactly when and where.
Dr James Brundell, from the University of Otago’s physics department, said solar plasma is due to arrive “around midday NZ time tomorrow”, but the precise timing and strength won’t be clear until less than an hour before impact.
That uncertainty means auroras could become visible across the southern parts of New Zealand and Australia — and potentially over Barrier, one of the country’s top dark sky locations.
“If the skies are clear, it would be worthwhile looking out to the south tomorrow evening I think,” Dr Brundell told NZME.
Cloud and rain are forecast for parts of the South Island, but Barrier locals may still get their chance, depending on conditions overhead.
What’s behind the aurora?
Auroras occur when solar wind disrupts Earth’s magnetosphere, sending charged particles into the upper atmosphere where they create streaks of colour — green, pink, purple and red.
Though the Northern Lights are more famous, the Aurora Australis can be just as spectacular, especially during the equinoxes in March and September when long, dark nights give better odds of seeing the glow.
Barrier is often named among the country’s best vantage points, alongside Wairarapa’s Dark Sky Reserve and South Island viewing flights.
Locals should keep an eye on the horizon tomorrow night — the “greatest show on earth” might just light up the Barrier sky.
