Imagine the sun is having more parties, every 11 years. This is solar Maximum. During this time, the sun is much more active! How does that equate to aurora?
  1. Sun throws a tantrum: On the Sun's surface, there's a giant explosion called a solar flare or a filament eruption. This releases a huge cloud of super energetic particles called solar wind. Imagine a party pooper exploding and showering confetti everywhere!
  2. Solar wind races through space: This energetic confetti zooms out in all directions from the Sun, including towards Earth. It travels super fast, but it takes some time (a few hours to a few days) to reach us.
  3. Earth's magnetic field steps in: Our planet has an invisible shield called the magnetosphere, kind of like a giant bubble around Earth made of magnetism. This shield tries to deflect most of the solar wind away, protecting us from the energetic particles.
  4. Sneaky particles slip through: Although the shield does a good job, some energetic particles manage to squeeze through openings near the north and south poles. Think of confetti sneaking under a slightly open umbrella.
  5. Bumpy ride in the atmosphere: These sneaky particles slam into the air molecules high up in Earth's atmosphere (think way above airplanes!). It's like a giant game of bumper cars up there!
  6. Glowing with excitement: The collisions give the air molecules a huge boost of energy, making them super excited. But just like someone hyped up on sugar, they can't stay that way forever.
  7. Light show time!: As the excited air molecules calm down, they release their extra energy in the form of colorful light – that's the aurora! Different gases in the atmosphere glow in different colors, creating a spectacular display.
So, the next time you see the aurora, remember it's a cosmic light show caused by a giant game of solar confetti and Earth's magnetic shield!

So how long does it take to get to earth?
Any tips for shooting the Aurora?
If you're new to aurora chasing, there are a few things you MUST know! Look at the graphic below for camera settings, but the tips go beyond that! The camera exacerbates the colour in aurora, KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR!
Location, Location, Location:
  • While the West Coast offers glimpses of the aurora on occasion, the best viewing locations tend to be further south with minimal light pollution. But places like Dillmans Dam, Ahaura Plains, and even Moana can be great for spotting aurora!
Clear Skies are Key:
  • Cloud cover can be a real downer for aurora viewing, especially as whenever there is a good show, its usually raining/overcast! Check weather forecasts for clear nights with minimal cloud cover, especially towards the south.
Befriend Darkness:
  • Town lights wash out the faint glow of the aurora. Look for places far from towns and cities. Head towards remote beaches, open fields, or even better, dark sky reserves like Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Time Travel (Sort Of):
  • The Southern Lights are most active during the equinoxes (around March and September) due to increased geomagnetic activity. However, they can appear year-round.
Patience is a Virtue:
  • The aurora is a fickle phenomenon. Be prepared to wait for hours and even come back on multiple nights to increase your chances of a sighting.
Embrace the Elements:
  • Aurora displays often occur during colder months. Dress warmly in layers, wear a hat and gloves, and consider bringing a thermos with hot drinks.
Gear Up (Optional):
  • While the naked eye can sometimes see bright auroras, a camera with a tripod allows you to capture the faint colors and details.
Appy Hour:
  • Download aurora forecast apps to get real-time updates on solar activity and aurora visibility.
Join the Community:
  • Look for online forums or Facebook groups dedicated to aurora chasing on the West Coast. These communities share sightings and tips to help you plan your trip.
​
Remember, with a little planning, patience, and a dash of luck, you might just witness this incredible celestial light show on the South Island's West Coast!

The graphic below is for beginners! Never feel you have to stick to this!
What the camera saw
What the eye saw