Rare Southern Lights expected to appear in South Africa
The Southern Lights, a rare astronomical phenomenon, could be visible in South Africa this week. Here’s how you can catch a glimpse…
South Africans waiting to see the stunning Southern Lights this year may be in luck. A powerful solar flare has created nearly perfect conditions for this rare celestial event to appear in our skies this week.
Good Things Guy reports that South Africans could enjoy a front-row seat to the Southern Lights, also called Aurora Australis, as this stunning wave of colour spreads across our night skies.
Last year, the Southern Lights appeared twice over South Africa, a total treat for sky-watchers.
What are the Southern Lights?
The Southern Lights are a natural light display that appears in the night sky of the Southern Hemisphere, and are the Southern Hemisphere‘s equivalent of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
This Aurora is caused by charged particles from the Sun colliding with Earth’s magnetic field. The collision excites the gases in the upper atmosphere, causing them to glow with various colours.
If you look up at the night sky when they occur, you will see a variety of hues, including the most common ones which are green and red, but other colours like purple and blue can also be seen. The aurora can also appear as a faint white cloud, green beams, or a colourful, dynamic display.
According to Cape Town Etc, ideal spots for the show extend along South Africa’s eastern and southern coasts, from just north of Durban down to Cape Town in a near-straight line.
Dark skies are recommended for optimal viewing.