Aurora australis: southern lights dazzle across New Zealand and Australia's east coast
People photograph aurora australis, also known as the southern lights, on the horizon over Lake Ellesmere on the outskirts of Christchurch on 1 June. The displays are produced by a geomagnetic storm, and a product of the sun launching charged particles towards Earth. When those particles interact with Earth's magnetic field they create stunning displays at the poles known as auroras. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
The Milky Way with the aurora australis, also known as the southern lights, over Lake Ellesmere on the outskirts of Christchurch. Photograph: Sanka Vidanagama/AFP/Getty Images
A man takes photographs of aurora australis on the horizon over Lake Ellesmere in Lincoln on the outskirts of Christchurch. Photograph: Sanka Vidanagama/AFP/Getty Images
The aurora australis over Lake Ellesmere, New Zealand. Photograph: Grant Birley
People photograph the aurora australis on the horizon over Lake Ellesmere in Lincoln on the outskirts of Christchurch on 1 June. Photograph: Sanka Vidanagama/AFP/Getty Images
The aurora australis seen from Gerringong, in NSW. Photograph: David Metcalf/DJM Images
People observe the aurora australis, also known as the southern lights, over Lake Ellesmere on the outskirts of Christchurch. Photograph: Sanka Vidanagama/AFP/Getty Images
The aurora australis glows on the horizon over the waters of Lake Ellesmere on the outskirts of Christchurch in New Zealand. Photograph: Sanka Vidanagama/AFP/Getty Images
Paul Kerr was able to capture this stunning vista of the aurora australis from Canberra.
Photograph: Paul Kerr/Hold Still Photography
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