One last chance to see spectacular aurora light show across Australia

Australians may have another chance to see the spectacular southern lights on Thursday night, but the weather bureau is doubtful that conditions will be perfect for stargazing.

The southern lights, known also as aurora australis, dazzled sky watchers across Victoria on Wednesday night from Anglesea to Warrnambool and much further north than usual, in line with expectations.

Sightings were also reported in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and many other areas of NSW, and as far afield as Perth, courtesy of a severe solar storm that is impacting Earth.

But if you missed the lights, experts are predicting there is still some chance they might be out on Thursday night - albeit not as “dazzling” as the previous night.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s space weather centre had predicted earlier this week that the geomagnetic storm was in progress and aurora may be observed during local nighttime hours.

“This storm is still in progress, although significantly less intense than it was yesterday and overnight,” a spokesperson for the Bureau said on Thursday evening.

“Conditions have peaked, and we are on a weakening trend, meaning aurora sightings are less likely over the mainland tonight.

“There is a slight chance that if geomagnetic conditions persist into nighttime hours that the aurora will be visible again tonight, but a dazzling display like last night is unlikely.”

Those who got a glimpse of the colours in the early hours of Thursday took to social media, with stargazers reporting magnificent views around the country.

“Sat for an hour taking photos with tears in my eyes. So magical,” said one person on X who shared their view from the Victorian coast.

Further strong geomagnetic activity was expected to continue on Thursday, before subsiding some time on Friday, forecasters said.

Swinburne Space Technology and Industry Institute Dr Rebecca Allen said the best way to see the auroras would be at places with a clear view of the horizon, like a beach or bay.

“You would potentially have a bit better of a chance seeing it further on the east coast versus the west coast, because of just potentially when the activity is peaking,” she told Nine News.

Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter.