The aurora australis could light up Australian skies tonight

A major solar storm could bring one of the best aurora australis chances of the year.

The southern lights may put on a rare show across Australia tonight, with the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) and international agencies warning of conditions strong enough to spark a vivid aurora australis.

A fast-moving burst of solar material is on track to reach Earth on 9 December. The ASWFC at the Bureau of Meteorology has issued an Aurora Watch, noting that the incoming disturbance is expected to trigger G3 level geomagnetic storming. This strength of activity has the potential to push auroral visibility well beyond Tasmania.

What is the aurora australis?

A man with a head torch looking at the Aurora Australis — Tasmania is the best place in Australia to see the spectacle. (Image: Tourism Tasmania)

The aurora australis – also known as the southern lights – is one of the most dazzling natural displays visible to the human eye. Put simply, the phenomenon occurs when the sun releases a massive burst of charged particles and magnetic fields into space. These particles are captured and funnelled toward the southern poles by Earth’s magnetic field, colliding with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. The collisions result in light being emitted and a spectacular natural dancing rainbow ensuing.

The past two years have been particularly good years for viewing the phenomenon.

What the latest forecast says

An Aurora Australis display at night along the coastline — A southern lights display can last minutes to hours. (Image: Unsplash/Graham Holtshausen)

According to the ASWFC, the Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is forecast to arrive early on 9 December, with a timing window of plus or minus 12 hours. If the storm develops as expected, visible aurora may be seen from Tasmania along with southern parts of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia during local night hours.

NOAA is reporting similar conditions , with its own modelling showing a strong CME headed towards Earth. Together, both forecasts point to one of the most promising aurora opportunities of the season.

Where you might see the aurora australis tonight

Aurora Australis in Victoria — The aurora australis might be visible in southern pockets of Victoria.

Tasmania is the most likely place to catch a strong display, particularly for those with a south-facing outlook and minimal light pollution. Southern pockets of Victoria, South Australia and WA could also see a glow if the storm intensifies.

To boost your chances, head somewhere with clear skies, low light pollution and a strong view to the south. Beaches, lookouts and dark sky reserves are ideal. And remember, the storm may peak quickly, so being ready early is essential.

When to look up

For the best chance of seeing colour in the sky, step out once darkness has settled. A useful guide is roughly 75 to 95 minutes after sunset on 9 December, when the sky is dark enough and the storm is likely to be active. The timing could shift depending on when the CME makes contact with Earth’s magnetic field, so stay flexible.

Keep an eye on real-time space weather indicators such as the KP index and Bz values . A negative Bz often signals that the magnetic field is opening up in a way that favours aurora activity.

What is causing tonight’s aurora potential

Aurora Australis, Cape Bruny Lighthouse — Tonight’s G3 forecast is known to produce visible aurora in Australia under the right conditions. (Image: Luke Tscharke)

This event stems from a fast-moving CME from an M8.1 solar flare, launched from the active region currently rotating across the sun. Full-halo CMEs are the ones to watch because they expand outward in all directions and are more likely to be directed towards Earth. If tonight’s arrival window holds, we could see the magnetic field energise quickly after impact.

Geomagnetic storms are ranked from G1 to G5. Tonight’s forecast of G3 is considered strong and is known to produce visible aurora in Australia under the right conditions.

A quick reminder

Solar activity is famously unpredictable. Arrival times and intensity levels can shift as the CME moves through space, which means tonight could deliver anything from a subtle green smudge to a full sweep of colour across the sky.

Regardless of how the storm unfolds, tonight’s setup is shaping as a genuine opportunity for Australians to witness the aurora australis without travelling far from home. If the stars align, you might witness the southern lights dancing overhead without needing to board a flight.

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.