Is it always possible to see the southern lights? No. Is it worth trying? Without a shadow of a doubt. The Southern Lights (aurora australis) are notoriously more difficult to see than their northern counterparts, however that makes the swirling rivers of greenish-blue that dance across the skies in the southern hemisphere even more spectacular when you do catch a glimpse. But the question is, where to see the Southern Lights? Below are our top picks for where to witness one of Earth’s most spectacular light displays…
Mt. John Observatory, New Zealand
The sense of wonder from experiencing a completely star-specked night sky is mind-blowing, let alone when there is no light pollution and the sky could dance with blues and reddish-violet hues at any moment. The Mt. John Observatory, within the Aoraki Mackezie International Dark Sky Reserve, is one of the ultimate places to spot the Southern Lights in New Zealand. For star-lovers and fans of dark skies, hop on a guided tour of the observatory while you wait for the ethereal phenomenon to appear.
Falkland Islands, UK
Believe it or not, the Southern Lights are visible from the UK. Well, sort of. The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory and happen to be one of the best places in the world to witness the Southern Lights. Watch as they undulate across the sky in hazy green swirls and bands of brilliant pink, leaving splashes of colour on the foam-tipped waves that crash along the coastline. For history enthusiasts, explore the dark past of the islands with a guided tour of the Argentine Military Cemetery where the Southern Lights bounce of the brilliant-white rosary-adorned crosses.
Antarctica
Antarctica is arguably the best, but most difficult to reach, Southern-Light-viewing destination. The snow-white icebergs and untouched natural landscapes flicker with vivid pinks and greens as the Southern Lights roll overhead in one of the wildest destinations on Earth. But where can you see the Southern Lights in the Antarctic Circle? They can be spotted dancing across the twinkling night sky all year round on mainland Antarctica from research centres and igloo-like lodges to guided cruises. The ultimate way to see them is on an expedition to South Georgia Island where you will be able to watch the Southern Lights to the soundtrack of young penguins peeping. There is no greater place to witness the Southern Lights than at the most southerly place on the planet.
Ushuaia, Argentina
As the closest major landmass to the South Pole, Argentina is a safe bet for spotting the epic pink and green plumes of light that fills the sky in the southern hemisphere. Due to its ‘End of the World’ and ‘Gateway to Antarctica’ statuses, the distant city of Ushuaia is the ultimate Southern-Light-viewing location, with 17-hour stints of darkness during winter. The vast, snowcapped peaks of the Tierra del Fuego Province are lit by the dancing skies, and the stark contrast between the monochrome mountains and the vibrant ribbons of sky-high colour is a must-see when visiting Argentina.
Wilsons Promontory, Australia
Although Australia is further north than other Southern-Light-spotting destinations, it has some of the most amazing views of the intricate illuminations. Flecks of iridescent green and vivid pink transform the hilly horizon into a rolling rainbow. But where to see the Southern Lights in the land of kangaroos and white sandy beaches? Venture to Wilsons Promontory National Park in Victoria for a wilderness adventure complete with camping, stargazing and aurora observing, as the pitch-black skies of Victoria make for the perfect light show backdrop. Ancient superstitions state that the spirits of the lights may come and whisper messages from the dead if you whistle, so hold your tongue and kick back on the deck of a wood-clad cabin as the spectacle unfurls.
Bruny Island, Tasmania
Bruny Island is a favourite weekend getaway for Tasmanians and is a wildlife haven, with wedge-tailed eagles hanging in the breeze as well as white wallabies dashing around in the undergrowth. The views of the Southern Lights, each display as unique as the one before, are unforgettable as they glow over the expansive beaches and wonderful wilderness of Tasmania. While you are nighttime sightseeing with a local guide, head to Kingston Beach or Adventure Bay to gawk at the otherworldly phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton turning the ocean into a natural lava lamp, as the Southern Lights float overhead.
Written by Immy Kelly