Aurora australis have lit up New Zealand skies in spectacular fashion, dazzling anyone lucky enough to catch a break in the clouds as one of the most powerful solar storms in decades slammed into Earth overnight.
Stargazers were stunned by vivid pinks, greens, and purples glowing through the night sky, taking to social media to post their photos and videos.
South Islanders witnessed the light show earlier on Tuesday night, while some North Islanders were also said to be experiencing the spectacle.
NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center posted on social media on Tuesday morning, saying: “An S4 severe solar radiation storm is now in progress - this is the largest solar radiation storm in over 20 years. The last time S4 levels were observed was in October 2003.
"Potential effects are mainly limited to space launch, aviation, and satellite operations."
The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle when there are more solar storms, aurorae and sunspots.
Have pictures or videos of the aurora? Email news@tvnz.co.nz with the subject line AURORA and the location of the photo.
Auroras occur when charged solar particles collide with gases high in the atmosphere.
Powerful storms like last night's push the lights much farther north than usual, giving parts of the North Island a rare chance to see them.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including serious weather moving south, Trump’s protein push, and the battle of the Beckhams. (Source: 1News)
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