Where to see Aurora Australis in Perth as coronal mass ejection to deliver best light show in years over WA

Perth is set to experience its biggest aurora light show in years, which is tipped to be so impressive, some photographers have taken the day off in a bid to capture it.

Space nerds are preparing for a long night of watching the sky in the hope of witnessing the phenomenon which could be seen as far north as Joondalup for the first time in years.

What is causing tonight’s aurora

The aurora is a result of one of three coronal mass ejections (CME) — huge blasts of high-energy plasma from the sun — happening on Wednesday.

When these particles reach Earth they collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere to create dramatic displays of coloured light.

The first two struck about 9am and 11am respectively but it is the third — and biggest — set to hit about 8pm, which has aurora chasers the most excited.

The timing means that WA goes into darkness, just as the CME hits, giving us the optimal view as flashes of coloured light illuminate the sky.

The moon isn’t due to rise until 12.49am, clearing the way for uninterrupted viewing of the aurora before the moonlight appears.

Perth Observatory’s Matt Woods said the space community was abuzz, with hopes for a phenomenon which may even surpass a superstorm seen in May last year.

“I’ve got friends who have taken today off,” he said.

“It’s fairly exciting, we’re cautiously optimistic about tonight but patience and persistence is the key. “

While WA’s south was usually the best place to see an aurora, Mr Woods said Perth suburbs as far north as Joondalup and even Karratha might bear witness to Wednesday night’s light show.

“You will see pinks, reds, a lightish green colour. But it will have to be an amazing storm if we were to get green in Perth but it might happen, you’ve just got to get out there and hope for the best,” he said.

Where you can see it

The places Perth Observatory has listed among its top viewing locations for tonight’s aurora are:

• North Ledge Lookout
• Lake Leschenaultia
• The central Wheatbelt
• Herron Point and Island Reserve
• Esperance
• Albany
• Ferguson Valley
• Cape Leeuwin

While it may be possible to see the aurora with the naked eye, the Observatory says “long exposure photography is your best friend” for the most impressive results.

How to set up your camera to capture the aurora

• Lens: 10–24mm wide-angle• Shutter: 5–10 seconds (10–15 seconds if no moon)• ISO: Start at 3200, bump to 6400 if it’s colder• White balance: ~4600K• Face South – Use your phone’s compass if unsure• Charge all your gear and pack a tripod

Mr Woods has advised anyone out tonight to prepare for a long night.

“Auroras, like comets, meteor showers, and cats, do their own thing,” he said.

“Patience is everything. I chased the October 2024 aurora for five nights before it finally lit up the sky. So, use this time to unwind, enjoy the stars (or clouds), and recharge the brain.”