Stories of seeing the Northern Lights illuminating the sky have captured the imagination of many people in the world. What is less talked about is the beauty of the Southern Lights of Antarctica. That’s right: There is, in fact, a southern atmospheric light show that can be another great trip to add to your bucket list. Do you have to travel to Antarctica, though?
For those interested in seeing the Southern Lights, you may be happy to learn you do not have to travel all the way to Antarctica. At the same time, names the Southern Lights of Antarctica, this fabulous light attraction in the sky can be seen in New Zealand, Tasmania, and Patagonia. You can even take flights that will take you in for a closer look!
Many have learned of the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, from articles or even movies. It is a scientific wonder of the world that can captivate anyone with a glance. Not much is spoken of the Southern Lights, on the other hand. Just what is this little-known cousin of the aurora borealis, and what is it called?
What are the Southern Lights?
As with most things in the scientific realm, the Southern Lights have a full scientific name. Just like the Northern Lights are called aurora borealis, the Southern Lights are called aurora australis. While aurora borealis got its name in the 1620s, its sibling aurora australis had to wait until 1741 before getting a name of its own.
Both of these occurrences have Latin based names. Aurora originated as a term for “dawn” in Latin. Where they differ, in their qualifiers, are not as fancy as they sound. Borealis means northern, while australis means southern. So, broken down, the name of the Southern Lights, or aurora australis, is Southern Dawn.
Do the Southern Lights Have a Name?
As with most things in the scientific realm, the Southern Lights have a full scientific name. Just like the Northern Lights are called aurora borealis, the Southern Lights are called aurora australis. While aurora borealis got its name in the 1620s, its sibling aurora australis had to wait until 1741 before getting a name of its own.
Both of these occurrences have Latin based names. Aurora originated as a term for “dawn” in Latin. Where they differ, in their qualifiers, are not as fancy as they sound. Borealis means northern, while australis means southern. So, broken down, the name of the Southern Lights, or aurora australis, is Southern Dawn.
(If you are looking for more destination that have a historical significance, you might want to check out the most historical places in the world!)
Are there Southern Lights like the Northern Lights?
When making your bucket list, you may be quick to write “The Northern Lights.” After all, not only are they one of the wonders of nature, but they can be very romantic in the right situation. If you are looking for something a little but not too different, you may wonder if there is a southern counterpart that may be less traveled.
The good news is that, yes, there are the Southern Lights, otherwise known as aurora australis. While less spoken of than its northern twin, this natural light display is found near the south pole and is just as breathtaking. This spectacle provides a curtain of green, red, and sometimes other colors to behold.
Before guessing that it may be lesser than the aurora borealis, it is of note that this light show is very similar and can be identical to the Northern lights given the right atmospheric circumstances. Atmospheric asymmetry can lead to a variance of how the creation of the lights occur and are perceived, but it can make for a gorgeous show.
Where Can you See the Southern Lights?
How Can I Get Rich Quick?
As they are called the Southern Lights of Antarctica, you may worry that you have to travel all the way to the south pole to see them. It is true that the best view of the Southern Lights will be at the south pole, specifically in one oval area. However, this is not the only place you can go if you are looking to see the spectacular aurora australis.
Some other places you can consider viewing the Southern Lights are not as far away as you think!
- New Zealand
- Tasmania
- The Falkland Islands
- Patagonia
- Chile
- Argentina
- South Georgia Island
Seeing the Southern Lights in New Zealand
New Zealand is a top spot for many people to explore when considering tourist vacations. It is also a fantastic destination to travel to and see the Southern Lights! Due to minimal light pollution in certain areas, when the conditions are right, the Aurora can light up the night sky, making any trip perfect.
While good weather can allow the Aurora to be seen, certain times of the year are better than others to plan a trip if the Southern Lights are on your to-do list. Try to travel during the New Zealand winter period, from June to August, as the Aurora is more easily seen during the winter months.
Stargazing is a great thing to do while in New Zealand, and they try to make it as simple as possible for those interested. There is actually an SMS text service that people can sign up for that will alert them when an aurora australis viewing may be possible. There are also several prime locations to try and visit to get the best glimpse.
Stewart Island
While sparse in population, Stewart Island is a fantastic place to stop by and see the lights. Most of the island is protected by the Rakiura National Park and is a destination for bird watchers and stargazers. Known for sunsets and the Southern Lights, you are sure to get some excitement while you get away from the city here.
Stewart Island is accessible by ferry from Invercargill or Bluff, which can be a fun roll over the waves. If you are more keen to fly there or do not have a vehicle, you are using it, and flying is also an option!
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
This place was built for watching the Aurora. While not literally built for it, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is housed on the South Island and is huge. It offers many different locations for your stargazing or aurora australis hunting needs. By far, this is one of the best locations to try and get a view.
Mount John, in the reserve, is home to the Mount John Observatory, where the largest telescope in New Zealand is. Located in the Lake Tekapo area, you can hike to this area or stay around the national park portion of the reserve to get a light, pollution-free view of the sky. These are just two of many available vantage points in the reserve, so pick your favorite and go!
Queenstown
When most people think Queenstown, aurora australis may not be the first thing that comes to mind. This place is known for its sports and adrenaline-pumping adventures for most. From bungy jumping to heli-skiing, this town has it all if you are looking for an adventurous activity you can write home about.
While not as Aurora focused as other locations may be, this gives you plenty of opportunities to take in local sights and events while you wait for night to fall. You can enjoy a wine tasting after you take a ride on a jet boat. Queenstown will keep you and your heart racing a mile a minute with all the fun daily activities!
However, aurora australis is also high on the list of the local attractions as well! The people of Queenstown have apps and Facebook groups dedicated to alerting when the Southern Lights are seen or are visible. After a long day of adventure, there is nothing better than sitting back and stargazing in Queenstown!
When Can you See Southern Lights in Tasmania?
Another fantastic location to see the Southern Lights is that of Tasmania. Just like with New Zealand, if this is your go-to place to try to catch the lights on display, you will want to plan your Tasmania adventure for the winter months of June through August. Remember, summertime in the northern hemisphere is wintertime below the equator.
That being said, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the lights during other times of the year. However, it is not always predictable as to when or how visible they will be when they show up. Again, just like New Zealand, Tasmania has many apps and services available that you can sign up for to alert you when a possible aurora australis sighting can happen!
Services and apps include:
- Aurora Forecast
- Star Walk
- Southern Lights Alerts
Outro
While aurora borealis is great and all, consider the Southern Lights for your next trip. This stellar light spectacular is just as beautiful as its northern sibling, even if it is less discussed. Aurora Australis can be seen from a variety of locations, allowing you to plan your trip to the fullest and scratch it off your bucket list.
Going to places in the southern hemisphere, such as New Zealand and Tasmania, during their winter months will allow you to get the best view of this glorious light wonder in action. Before you jump on a plane, search for apps and Facebook groups local to where you are visiting to see if they can better help you identify the best time to go! And make sure to bring some pocket size travel games for the long flight!
Many of the places mentioned may provide tours as well to guide you through the landscape to get the best view of the Aurora. Whether you are going with friends or just by yourself, you have a ton of options on how and where you go to see the Southern lights do their thing. You can even go alone if you so choose!
The auroras can be a life-changing experience for those who get to see them. It is no wonder why it makes the bucket list of people the world over. Whether you go with the northern or southern version, it is your discretion, but you are sure to get a wonderful natural light show that you can snap photos of and tell your friends about!
(Getting out to enjoy this alone is a fantastic way to relax, unwind, and reset. Find out some more safe solo female travel destinations in that article!)