Aurora Australis Possible on Friday Night
The colourful aurora australis may be visible from southern Australia on Friday night, depending on cloud cover and moonlight. This event follows a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun.
What is a Coronal Mass Ejection?
CMEs are eruptions of solar material and magnetic fields expelled from the sun. When these reach Earth, they can trigger geomagnetic storms that sometimes create auroras near the poles in both hemispheres.
Impact on Earth
These geomagnetic storms produce vibrant colours in the night sky known as auroral displays.
“A coronal mass ejection is expected to impact the Earth within the next 48 hours, possibly resulting in significant geomagnetic activity and visible auroras during local nighttime hours.”
Recent Observations
Two CMEs were detected on November 5, which led the Bureau of Meteorology’s Space Weather Service to issue an aurora watch on November 6.
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Author's summary: A solar eruption may bring vibrant auroras to southern Australia Friday, weather permitting, highlighting the dynamic space weather effects on Earth.