Seeing the aurora, or Southern Lights, is a dream many of us have had on our life bucket lists, but few ever get the chance to experience. The idea of witnessing this ethereal display often seems like something reserved for far-off, icy landscapes—certainly not something you’d expect to see from your own backyard in Australia. However, this past year of extraordinary solar activity has brought this magical phenomenon closer to home, surprising many who never knew it was possible to witness the aurora from our southern skies.
Life has a way of getting in the way of our dreams. The demands of daily routines, family responsibilities, and the unpredictability of nature often make it seem impossible to tick off this bucket list item. But the good news is that with some planning, a bit of patience, and the right approach, you can increase your chances of seeing the aurora as a family. Whether you’re looking to create a memorable experience for your kids or simply want to share the awe of the night sky with your loved ones, I’m here to help you make it happen. Let's explore some practical tips to turn this dream into reality.
1: Talk to Your Kids About What You Want to See
Before you head out on your aurora adventure, it’s important to have an honest conversation with your kids about what to expect. Explain that seeing the aurora is a waiting game—there's no guarantee you'll catch a glimpse, and it requires a lot of patience. However, this can also be a fun part of the experience. Frame it as a special family adventure where the anticipation is part of the magic. Make it clear that even if the aurora doesn't appear, the time spent together under the night sky is valuable in itself. Managing your family’s expectations is key to ensuring everyone enjoys the outing, no matter the outcome. And when the aurora does make an appearance, it becomes an unforgettable moment that feels all the more special for having waited for it.
2: Be Prepared to Keep Warm
When heading out to see the aurora, it's crucial to be prepared for the cold, even if the day has been warm. In winter, we naturally think of bundling up in thick jackets, but it's easy to forget that even during warmer seasons, the temperature can drop significantly once the sun sets. Spending hours outdoors, especially when there's a breeze, can quickly turn a warm evening into a chilly one. To keep everyone comfortable, make sure to pack a thick jacket, hats, and a cozy blanket. Keeping warm not only ensures that your kids stay happy but also makes the waiting game more enjoyable. After all, nothing ruins the magic of the night sky faster than being cold and uncomfortable!
3: Get Comfortable!
The aurora is always a waiting game, and comfort is key to making the experience enjoyable. Even during the big aurora events like May 11th, 2024, and December 1st, 2023, the mesmerizing red glow waxed and waned throughout the night. Your time under the stars can be quite cozy if you plan ahead. Bring a picnic blanket and some camp chairs, and make it an opportunity to snuggle up and enjoy the cosmic show. Whether or not the aurora makes a grand appearance, you'll be creating a memorable and comfortable night out with your family.
4: Bring Snacks!
When you're out aurora hunting with kids, snacks are an absolute must. You might be out there for a while, and trust me, when the aurora show starts, you won't want to leave! It’s best to bring an easy dinner—think finger foods, a Happy Meal, or a lunch box full of nibbles—along with some convenient snacks to keep everyone satisfied. The last thing you want is to have to pack up and leave just as the sky lights up because the little ones are getting 'hangry.' Having a well-stocked snack supply ensures that everyone can enjoy the experience without any interruptions.
5: Keep All Lights Off
When you're out to see the aurora, keeping all lights off is crucial. This means no torches, no phones, and no other light sources that could interfere with your night vision. The light from your phone or torch will inhibit your ability to see the Southern Lights, so it's important to keep them off as much as possible. It can take up to 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to low light, and most people don't wait long enough to get the best viewing experience.
If you're camping, avoid using fairy lights around your tent. At home, make sure all your outdoor and indoor lights are off, including solar-powered garden lights. If you arrive at your location after dark, be sure to turn off your headlights immediately and ensure your internal car lights don't turn on when you open the doors. By keeping all lights off, you’ll maximise your chances of catching the magical display of the aurora.
6: Don’t Invest All Your Energy into “This is Our Only Opportunity”
It’s important to approach aurora hunting with the right mindset—understand that the aurora is a rare and unpredictable event, no matter what the big news organizations might say. Even with great potential, it may just not happen. While I’ll dive into the astrophysics behind this in a future blog post, the key takeaway here is that you can't put all your red apples into one aurora basket.
Be prepared for many nights out and many no-shows. However, by the same token, you also need to take the risk. Those who successfully see the aurora often do so because they prioritize the hunt—they’re willing to cancel plans, risk a late night followed by an early morning, and even do it on school nights. It's a balance between realistic expectations and a willingness to seize the moment, knowing that every outing could be the one where you witness something truly magical.
7: Visit the Area During the Daytime
One of the best ways to ensure a great aurora-viewing experience is to be familiar with your surroundings. Comfort plays a huge role in making the night enjoyable, and that starts with knowing where you are. It's always best to visit your chosen location during the daytime so that both you and your family can get familiar with the area. Arriving before dark allows you to set up without the need for torches, which not only preserves your night vision but also ensures you don’t inadvertently spoil the experience for others around you. Being well-prepared and comfortable in your environment sets the stage for a relaxed and enjoyable night under the stars.
8: Have Somewhere Comfy for the Young Kids to Sleep
Aurora hunting often means late nights, and it's important to have a cozy spot for your little ones to drift off when they get tired. If you have a large car, consider making up a little bed in the back—this is what I usually do for my girls. They often fall asleep on my lap in a camp chair, and we cherish those cuddles before I tuck them in, snug and cozy under the doonas. My oldest has always tried to stay awake, wanting to be a part of the adventure, but she inevitably drifts off in her warm chair.
These moments create beautiful memories that I treasure, and it's all about making the experience as comfortable as possible for your kids. If you're in a regional area, you might even set up camp at one of the free campsites and settle in for the night. This way, the kids can sleep soundly, and you can continue to enjoy the night sky, knowing they’re safe and warm.
9: The Exception to the ‘No Phones’ Rule
While it's generally best to keep your phone off to preserve night vision, there is one exception—using star and constellation apps. Apps like NightSky and Sky Safari can be incredibly useful for locating interesting night sky objects and keeping the little ones engaged. If your kids are getting restless, encourage them to search for planets and constellations using these apps. Just remember to switch your phone to the ‘red light’ setting, which turns the screen red and has a much smaller impact on your night vision.
However, be mindful of others around you—using a phone can still disturb their experience if not done thoughtfully. Keep the screen dim and use it sparingly to ensure everyone can enjoy the magic of the night sky. I have a list of apps I use in my article A Beginner Guide to Astrophotography.
10: Please Respect Other Aurora Hunters
When you're out aurora hunting, it's essential to respect the experience of others around you. I've already mentioned the importance of keeping lights off, but it’s worth repeating—other people are investing their time and many nights in the hope of seeing the aurora too. If you turn up with lights on, you could be robbing them of their chance to see the Southern Lights.
Also, be very careful when moving around in the dark. Tripod legs can be easy to trip over, so always be aware of where other people are and where they’re shooting. Never set up in front of a camera on a tripod, and absolutely never climb over tripod legs—believe it or not, this has happened to me! Not only will you be ruining that person’s experience, but you also don’t want to be responsible for knocking over and potentially breaking thousands of dollars' worth of equipment. Respect and awareness go a long way in making sure everyone can enjoy the night and have the best possible chance of seeing the aurora.
11: Stick to the Paths!
When you're out aurora hunting, it's vital to stick to designated paths and trails. Wandering off the beaten track to get a better view might seem harmless, but it can cause significant environmental damage. For example, during the May 2024 aurora event, the thrombolites at Lake Clifton were trampled by visitors. Many people are
unaware of the ecological significance of these thrombolites; they are some of the earliest life forms to evolve on Earth, dating back over three and a half billion years. Today, they appear in only a handful of places around the world, and the Lake Clifton examples are around 2,000 years old. They regrow incredibly slowly, and the footprints made that night will be visible for several hundred years.
In Southwest Western Australia, we also have species of orchids endemic to this region, along with threatened species of marsupials and fungi found nowhere else on Earth. It's crucial to adopt a "Leave no trace" mindset and be humble enough to recognize that just because something doesn’t look significant to you, it may be that you simply don’t have the knowledge to appreciate its importance. Respect the environment and help preserve these incredible natural wonders for future generations.
I absolutely love the night sky and sharing its wonders with everyone. This passion is what drives me to run workshops and share my knowledge on how to photograph the night sky. There's nothing more fulfilling than seeing others experience the magic of the cosmos. However, this incredible experience is only possible when we all respect each other and the environment we share. I truly hope that you and your family get to witness the awe-inspiring displays that I've been privileged to see. Happy aurora hunting!
Remember, if you would like to photograph the aurora yourself you can read A Beginner Guide to Astrophotography to get you started. If you would prefer more hands on help you would love my Astrophotography Workshops.
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