Northern lights are a rare yet well-known sight, frequently photographed in places like Norway, Sweden, and Canada, and almost synonymous with the Arctic Circle. But the Earth’s other hemisphere has its own equally enchanting show, the Southern Lights — or Aurora Australis. But do these two shine the same? Let’s explore what causes these celestial displays, how they compare, where to see them, and the times of year when your chances of spotting them are best.
What causes the Southern lights: Aurora physics explained
At the basic physical level, both light phenomena are born from the same process. Electrically charged solar particles from our star head toward our planet in intense gusts, scientifically called the solar wind. Upon impacting our atmosphere, or more specifically, its magnetic field, these particles ‘hit’ gases, mainly oxygen and nitrogen, starting a colourful interaction that looks like tiny bursts of light. Viewed from below, these bursts appear as glowing, dancing curtains and ribbons across the night sky.
As for the Southern lights name, it has a Latin origin, like many other natural phenomena observed since ancient times. It literally means ‘the southern dawn,’ whereas aurora borealis, the northern Latin name, means northern dawn. As simple as that!
What’s the difference between the northern and southern lights?
Although the phenomena have different names, they are practically mirror images of one another. As the space news resource Orbital Today explains, the ground physics behind them is the same, and both occur in oval-shaped zones around Earth’s magnetic poles, even though at different seasons – March till September in the South, with months reversed in the North.
The difference in seasons is explained by our planet’s rotation angle relative to the Sun. Recently, scientists have also managed to establish that auroras are never the same in intensity and the spread of the auroral oval, which also has to do with our planet’s rotation around the Sun and its pole. Since auroras happen when charged particles from the Sun ‘bombard’ our atmosphere, the impact angle influences the many shades and hints we get a chance to observe. And since the impact angle is never identical, the light show is never an exact reflection.
Next, aurora borealis are simply better known because they occur in more densely populated areas with a well-established tourist infrastructure. On the other hand, the southern aurora predominantly shines over Antarctica, with fewer populated areas nearby. This makes seeing the Aurora Australis a bit trickier but way more desirable for most travellers.
But in simple terms, Southern lights vs Northern lights are the same astrophysical event that occurs in different hemispheres.
Where to See the Southern Lights
Antarctica offers the most intense Southern Light displays, but it’s not an easy place for most people to visit because cruise ships are pricey and are booked months in advance. Besides, they can only cruise when the seas are not covered in ice, which, in those parts, means a rather short opportunity window.
Still, several land locations offer a good view of the phenomena. Here are the top Southern Lights countries to consider:
- New Zealand, particularly in the south;
- Australia, more specifically, the Tasmania region;
- Chile and Argentina both offer a great view, especially in the Patagonia region;
- South Africa, especially parts that are located far from populated areas.
Why far from populated areas, you may wonder? The fundamental prerequisite to seeing an aurora is a dark sky, which generally occurs when the light pollution from cities and other densely populated areas is minimal. However, this condition also coincides with winter months, when nightfall arrives earlier and lasts longer.
But there are a few other temporal conditions you may want to make a note of when hunting for the phenomena with your camera.
When Are Auroras Common?
Auroras may occur year-round, not only in the months mentioned above. Still, the viewing times often align with specific seasons and conditions and are most common around the equinoxes and during high solar activity. In the Southern Hemisphere, equinoxes correspond to around late March and late September. During these periods, even moderate solar activity can trigger more frequent and vivid auroral displays.
As for solar activity, it follows an approximately 11-year cycle of highs and lows. During a solar maximum, when sunspot numbers and solar flares are more frequent, the solar wind tends to be stronger. This boosts the likelihood of geomagnetic storms, which, in turn, can produce more frequent and brighter auroras. If your travel plans are flexible, timing a trip during a period of increased solar activity can improve your odds of witnessing a memorable light show.
Finally, the best shot you have at catching the aurora is simply staying informed. Lots of stargazing apps, including free ones, keep track of different celestial happenings, including aurora and solar activity levels, that boost the likelihood of an intensified light show. So, arrive early and make sure you have a good internet connection!
Author: Emma Thorpe