Story: Southland region

Aurora australis

Aurora australis

Southland’s relatively high latitude (46.5° south) makes it the most likely place in New Zealand to see the colourful aurora australis (southern lights). The displays result from the electricity produced when light particles collide with gases in the upper atmosphere and take on colour, most often pink or pale green. The electrical waves are drawn to the south magnetic pole, which lay at about 65° south in 2008.

Using this item

Private collection
Photograph by Stephen Voss

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

David Grant, 'Southland region - Climate', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/20097/aurora-australis (accessed 10 May 2024)

Story by David Grant, updated 1 May 2015