Another Aurora Australis Likely This January 2026

We’re only a few weeks into 2026, but it looks like another Aurora Australis could be on the horizon from 19 January. A major solar event known as a Coronial Mass Ejection (or CME) has been detected, meaning the sun has released a large burst of energy that’s now heading toward Earth. This type of solar activity can disturb our planet’s magnetic field and create the conditions for the aurora to appear — potentially lighting up the night sky across parts of Australia and New Zealand in the next 48 hours. Here's what you need to know to catch it. When is the next Aurora Australis? Auroras are notoriously difficult to predict with precision, but the current solar activity suggests the conditions could be favourable in the coming days (specifically, within 48 hours from January 19). To know exactly when the next Aurora Australis will appear, keep an eye on live space weather updates from NOAA and the Bureau of Meteorology, as forecasts will clarify the timing and intensity once the CME’s path becomes clearer. Where to see it The alert covers a broad region, but as always, the best chances for visibility is in the southern states. Those in Victoria, Tasmania and parts of South Australia will likely have the clearest shot — but strong solar activity can push the aurora further north than usual. The current alert also includes parts of: New South Wales Australian Capital Territory Western Australia New Zealand So even if you’re not in the far south of Australia, it’s worth keeping an eye on the sky over the next couple of nights. Where is the best location to see the Aurora Australis To maximise your chances of catching the aurora, find a dark, open spot away from city lights. A designated dark sky reserve will always be the best spot to view the Aurora Australis, but there aren't many of these, so you may need to find another option. If you're in Sydney, Palm Beach is actually Australia's first officially recognised Urban Night Sky Place. In other words, it's an excellent locale for stargazing. For those in Melbourne, some great stargazing spots are the Dandenong Ranges, specifically the Mt Burnett Observatory. Phillip Island or Grampians National Park are good too. For Tasmania, as this area is less densely populated, anywhere there's little light pollution will offer a good view. Bruny Island and Cradle Mountain National Park are great options if you want a truly immersive experience. What time to look up to the sky At the moment, the exact timing remains dependent on the CME’s arrival and the resulting geomagnetic activity. Generally, auroras are best viewed after sunset, during the late evening hours. We'll keep you updated once more accurate timings are predicted over the next 24–48 hours, to pinpoint the optimal viewing window once the CME makes contact with Earth’s magnetic field. What actually causes an Aurora Australis? The potential spectacle, which can also be called the Southern Lights, is the result of a solar flare and CME reaching Earth’s magnetic field. When charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, they create the shimmering greens, pinks, and purples of the Aurora Australis. The stronger the geomagnetic storm, the further north the lights can travel — meaning more people may get a glimpse of the show.