An astronomer says the incredible solar storm views of the Aurora Australis that dazzled over the weekend have likely passed their "peak" — but Kiwis in the South Island could still catch a lingering glimpse of the phenomenon.
Over the weekend, the most powerful solar storm in 21 years was seen around the world in the form of the spectacular colourful lights of both Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis.
The National Space Weather Prediction Centre issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch following a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections that began on Wednesday.
An astronomer at Auckland's Stardome Observatory and Planetarium, Rob Davison, told Breakfast the phenomenon was caused by a "rare combination" of several pieces of electro-magnetically charged materials interacting in the atmosphere all at once.
"That stuff hit our atmosphere, interacted with the magnetic field and caused these beautiful displays."
"This was due to material being thrown out by the sun. We had several of these coronal mass ejections over a few days."
He said the material is electro-magnetically charged, which can interact with power stations and satellites, and cause radio blackouts.
Transpower earlier restored circuits that were taken out of action over the weekend, following concerns they could be damaged during the solar storm.
Davison said the peak of the aurora had "probably passed" for those in the North Island.
"There may be, over the next couple of days, another little peak. I'm not sure if it will reach all the way as far north as it did this time, but people in the South Island should have a good chance."
He said the next couple of years is going to be "a very active time for the sun", which could produce more displays of the Aurora Australis.
Wedding photographer captures the perfect shot
Wedding photographer Greg Campbell told Breakfast about how he seized the moment to capture the perfect shot.
"I've been shooting weddings for 11 [or] 12 years, and nothing like this has ever happened," he said.
Campbell said the couple had to kiss continuously — while standing completely still — for 13 seconds to capture the special moment.
"To be there, have the gear and a willing couple ... It worked out so great, they were really, really excited."
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