Aurora Australis: Where, how, what time to see & capture rare southern lights across WA skies on Friday

Key points

• Residents of Western Australia may see the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, on Friday after a geomagnetic storm was forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology. The phenomenon usually appears as a faint glow on the horizon, though stronger activity can bring greens, pinks and purples.
• Astronomer Matt Woods said sightings are rare in 2026 because the sun is at the start of its 11-year cycle. Viewers should head away from city lights, face the southern horizon, and wait 75 to 90 minutes after sunset.
• Esperance and Albany were named as the best WA locations.