This is the all-natural light show that is sometimes visible at sunrise and sunset in extreme northern latitudes known as aurora borealis, or the northern lights, in which solar particles are drawn in by the magnetism of the North Pole and interact with Earth’s atmosphere. Like these birds flying through the sunset, it’s an almost-magical natural phenomenon.
But did you know that there are also southern lights? Called the aurora australis, this is the dramatic light that develops around the Earth’s South Pole.
It’s just as beautiful as its northern counterpart, but less well-known, because the best place to view it is the continent of Antarctica. Notably, not a lot of people live in Antarctica, though it does have these furry residents!
Fortunately, you don’t have to go to the end of the earth to see this aurora. It’s also visible, as the name would indicate, from some parts of Australia.
Ian Stewart, a resident of the state of Tasmania, has been fortunate enough to capture quite a few auroras over the years. His footage, shot from 2012 to 2015, shows a range of gorgeous opalescent displays of green, red, and pink light filtering through the Southern skies.
Set to lilting orchestral music, this video will truly take your breath away! And if you love it as much as we do, please SHARE with your friends!
The Aurora Australis – 2012 to 2015 – Tasmania, Australia from Ian Stewart on Vimeo.
