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Experience Tasmania's sky technicolour
WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST?
The Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, is often confused with the Northern Lights, leading people to mistakenly search for "Aurora Borealis Australia." Every year people flock to Iceland and Norway to view the spectacle in the Arctic Circle. Still, its relatively unknown southern equal can be a surprising delight and worth the trip to Tasmania, where it can best be viewed. Some try their hand at catching the Aurora Australis in New Zealand and Antarctica as well. Many describe this natural phenomena as a dance of lights across the sky and a memory that will last a lifetime.
The Science
What you Can Expect to See

Best Spots to See the Lights
Since the further south you are, the better, popular viewing spots are South Arm Peninsula (40 km southeast of Hobart) and Cockle Creek on the southern tip of Tasmania (120 km southwest of Hobart).
In South Arm Peninsula photographers rave about the reflections shots they capture, and the wide bay allows for an expansive view. Other popular sites for viewing are Dodges Ferry, Rosny Hill, Howden, Seven Mile, and Tinderbox. If you’re going to try and view closer to Hobart, try places with a broad horizon such as Mount Nelson or Mount Wellington. Both are easily accessible from the city and sometimes attract a small crowd (bring a jacket, it can get cold at night!).
When are They Best Seen

If you’re in Tassie and in the mood chase them, current updates are available on a popular Facebook page (The Aurora Australis) or you can log into any one of the apps that exist for such a purpose (Star Walk, Solar Monitor, and Aurora Australis Forecast to name a few).
How to Capture Them & Follow the Lights
An SLR camera set to manual mode with a tripod is the best way to ensure a stable and clear image. Seek out a wide lens which will allow for maximum light into the camera and choose the highest ISO (800 to 3200). The shutter speed should be anywhere from 5 to 15 seconds and the focus set to infinity.
You’re all set. Happy viewing!
1, 7, 9 : Pierre Destribats
2 : Dietmar Kahles
3, 6 : Tourism Tasmania & Poon Wai Nang
4, 5 : Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman





























