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The South African
4 days ago
- The South African
Where to see the Southern Lights in South Africa this week
South Africa isn't the first place people think of when it comes to the Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis. These stunning natural light displays are more commonly associated with Antarctica, Tasmania, and the southern tips of New Zealand and Chile. But under rare and specific conditions, South Africans can catch a glimpse too – if they know where and when to look. Here's what you need to know about spotting the Southern Lights from South Africa and the best places to try your luck… Yes – but only rarely. The Southern Lights are caused by charged solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetic field. The further south you are, the better your chances. Most of South Africa sits too far north for regular sightings. However, during periods of intense solar activity, like this week, auroras can stretch farther than usual, occasionally lighting up the southern skies over South Africa. These events are rare and unpredictable, but when they happen, they make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While no place in South Africa guarantees a view, the following locations are your best bet due to their southern latitude, clear skies, and low light pollution: Why it's good: Sutherland is home to the South African Astronomical Observatory and is famous for its dark skies and dry climate. It's also one of the coldest and most remote towns in South Africa, giving you dark, crisp skies with minimal interference. Why it's good: This is the southernmost point of Africa, making it the closest you can get to Antarctica without leaving the continent. Wide horizons and ocean views also increase your chances of catching low-hanging auroras. Why it's good: Just east of Cape Agulhas, this coastal village offers unobstructed views over the southern ocean. The little town also has very little light pollution and open skies facing directly south. Why it's good: These spots south of Cape Town provide clear, south-facing ocean views and easy access from the city. Higher elevations like Cape Point can give you a wider view of the horizon, improving visibility. Why it's good: High elevation, low light pollution, and wide, open southern horizons make this your top option in the KZN province. You're also looking out over Lesotho and the southern Drakensberg range, away from major light sources. Follow solar weather reports: Use tools like NOAA's Aurora Forecast or apps like My Aurora Forecast. Use tools like NOAA's Aurora Forecast or apps like My Aurora Forecast. Find dark sky locations: Get far from city lights – this makes all the difference. Get far from city lights – this makes all the difference. Use a camera: Sometimes the aurora is too faint for the naked eye but shows up in long-exposure shots. Sometimes the aurora is too faint for the naked eye but shows up in long-exposure shots. Stay patient: You could wait hours and see nothing. Or get lucky in ten minutes. There's no guarantee. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Geomagnetic storms might spark stunning northern lights deep into the US; here's when and where to look for the dazzling auroras
Where the northern Lights may be seen Live Events Northern California Missouri Kentucky Alabama When and how to watch Move away from city lights Find a location with a clear view of the northern horizon Let your eyes adjust to the dark for 20–30 minutes Check local forecasts for cloud cover Possible impacts beyond Auroras Minor power grid disturbances Fluctuations in satellite operations Degraded high-frequency radio communications, especially at high latitudes A rare opportunity for skywatchers (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A rare and powerful geomagnetic storm could light up skies across large parts of the United States on Sunday night, June 2. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) has issued a G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm watch , one of the strongest alerts on its storm is the result of at least five coronal mass ejections (CMEs) launched from the sun between May 29 and May 31. These CMEs are massive bursts of solar material and magnetic fields ejected from an active sunspot region known as these solar eruptions travel toward Earth , they interact with the planet's magnetic field. If they hit directly, they can trigger vivid displays of auroras, also known as the northern lights NOAA says that auroras could be visible much farther south than usual if the storm reaches expected levels. Overhead displays are possible in states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Fainter displays near the horizon might even be seen in places as far south as:However, local weather, cloud cover, and light pollution will depend on visibility. People in rural areas with clear, dark skies will have the best chance of seeing the best time to catch the aurora is typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. During this period, the sky is darkest, and solar activity may peak. To improve your chances:Using apps like My Aurora Forecast or visiting NOAA's aurora forecast website can help track real-time aurora activity in your a G4 geomagnetic storm can produce breathtaking sky shows, it may temporarily disrupt some technology. NOAA warns of potential:Utilities and satellite operators have been alerted to prepare for potential issues. Geomagnetic storms of this strength are not common. If the CMEs arrive with the expected speed and intensity, this could be a rare chance for people living in much of the US, even far from the Arctic Circle, to witness the aurora borealis firsthand.
