In a spectacular celestial event, the Aurora Australis illuminated the night skies over the Snowy Mountains and the wider southeast of Australia last night, June 1. This stunning display was a result of a recent geomagnetic storm caused by a solar coronal mass ejection (CME). The CME, known for its high velocity, interacted with Earth’s magnetic field, leading to vivid auroral displays that captivated observers across the region, and offers sky gazers another opportunity to see it tonight.
PHOTO: Ian Williams – Aurora Australis shot taken in Cooma, May 29, 2025 CREDIT: Ian Williams Photography
Ian Williams, a local photographer and night sky enthusiast, captured the beauty of the southern lights on camera. Describing the event, he highlighted the unpredictability of auroral displays, mentioning, “While there’s uncertainty about the exact timing, the spectacle is akin to the unbelievable displays we witnessed last year in Tasmania.”
PHOTO: Aurora Australis taken in Bredbo, Snowy Mountains June 1, 2025 CREDIT: Chris Chia
The Aurora Australis occurs when charged solar particles collide with atmospheric gases, generating brilliant curtains of coloured lights. While usually visible only at higher latitudes, this particular event allowed residents as far north as the Blue Mountains near Sydney to witness the natural phenomenon.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora, another opportunity may arise tonight (June 2, 2025), as the geomagnetic storm gradually weakens. Residents in the Snowy Mountains and surrounding areas can again prepare for the possibility of witnessing nature’s night-time show.
For anyone interested in learning more about night time photography, Ian Williams offers an Introduction to Night Sky Photography course, which includes aurora forecasting insights, aiming to help photography enthusiasts capture such moments themselves. His next course will take place on July 26, 2025 in Tharwa.