From Cape Town to Limpopo — If the Skies Stay Clear, You Might Catch the Southern Lights
SOUTH AFRICA – In a rare and thrilling development, the Aurora Australis — also known as the Southern Lights — could be visible across parts of South Africa tonight, stretching from coastal cities like Cape Town and Durban to inland regions as far as Limpopo.
The visibility will depend heavily on cloud cover, light pollution, and atmospheric conditions, experts warn. Those in low-light, high-altitude, or rural areas stand the best chance of catching the phenomenon.
☄️ Why This Is Happening
The potential display follows a powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by heightened solar activity. This solar storm has expanded the usual visibility range of auroras, which are typically restricted to polar regions.
Dr. Tumi Molapo, an atmospheric physicist, explained:
“The Aurora Australis over South Africa is extremely rare. It’s a result of unusual solar flare intensity pushing charged particles deeper into southern latitudes.”
🔭 Where & When to Look
- Best time: Between 9 PM and 3 AM, local time
- Best spots:
- Table Mountain, Cape Town
- Drakensberg foothills
- Rural Free State plains
- Northern Limpopo highlands
- Tips:
- Get far away from city lights
- Look southward toward the horizon
- Bring a camera with long exposure settings
🌦️ Weather Watch
Local forecasters say cloud cover may affect visibility in Gauteng and parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The Western Cape is expected to have clearer skies, improving viewing chances in Cape Town and surrounding regions.
📸 Share Your View
If you’re lucky enough to catch the auroral glow, snap a photo and share it using hashtags like #AuroraSouthAfrica and #SouthernLightsSA — it may be a once-in-a-lifetime sighting!
