“The intensity and widespread nature of the phenomenon is indicative that the sun is still in the peak of its solar cycle, where such intense events occur more frequently,” experts have noted.

In Byron Bay, a coastal town in northern New South Wales, photographer Sarah Archibald captured a stunning display of the aurora australis around 9 p.m. This was one of the most vivid displays she has ever witnessed.

“I was thrilled to see it, as it’s a rare sight in the Byron Shire, especially this far north,” Archibald shared.

Meanwhile, in Dubbo, located further south, Peter Starr patiently waited for the clouds to part. Finally, at around 11:45 p.m., he observed the spectacle from his observatory.

“It was incredible to see those perfectly blue streamers. I’ve only witnessed them in this form once before, so it was quite a special experience,” Starr remarked.

Starr said the aurora’s visibility was quite rare for his town, but he has seen six in the past 18 months. 

Davies said this was due to the sun’s extended active phase, which typically occurs every 11 years.

“That is something we’re very much still trying to understand,” she said. 

“Early in 2025, late 2024 was meant to be the reported peak maximum. So the fact that we’re even into early 2026 and still seeing really quite a lot of activity would say that it’s more of an extended period.”

During this active solar period, geomagnetic storms are more common. 

Geomagnetic storms are caused by a solar flare that releases energy and charged particles that collide with the Earth’s atmosphere and interact with the magnetic field.

That interaction can create the captivating display we know as aurora australis.

While the intensity of the storm is now over, solar flare activity is continuing and a lower-level storm has been observed today.

“We anticipate a steady stream of activity probably over the next night or so, but then again, we could see another more energetic eruption, dragging it out even further,” Davies said.

“To see this kind of extended activity is also quite rare, because it wasn’t just a single large burst, but we’re seeing multiple bursts.”

The Bureau of Meteorology said weaker lights could be viewed in southern parts of the country tonight.

“It is likely to be weaker than last night, meaning it won’t be visible as far north as yesterday, but people in Victoria, Tasmania and southern Western Australia may still have a chance to capture the lights on the southern horizon,” the bureau said.