Fun Fact: The science behind the Aurora Australis

Did you know the pinks, purples and greens that are often associated with Aurora Australis are the particles interacting with different gasses – the aurora energy.

The captivating display of colours in the aurora borealis and Aurora Australis, commonly known as the northern and southern lights respectively, is a result of intricate interactions between solar radiation and the Earth’s atmosphere. As solar radiation bombards the upper atmosphere, it collides with oxygen and nitrogen molecules, inducing a fascinating emission of light.

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A New Astrophotography Real Time Tracker

Introducing a new Astrophotography page where you can track real-time cloud cover 24/7 using the New Zealand MetServices’ cutting-edge infrared satellite imagery which is updated every 10 minutes.

Simply select the markers to view current conditions at your nearest dark sky areas, ensuring you’re prepared for the weather during your stargazing adventures.

Plus, don’t forget to check out the forecast cloud cover video for the outlook over the next few days.

Explore the informative sections dedicated to your night sky and astrophotography experiences.

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