Top 10 Places in the World to See Aurora Australis in August
August is the best time to witness the magnificent auroras in the Southern Hemisphere. From the southern tip of Chile to the remote islands of New Zealand, the aurora australis provides some of the most spectacular nature displays in the world. Here are the top 10 places to take in the natural wonders of this extraordinary phenomenon.
1. Ushuaia, Argentina
Situated at the southern tip of the South American continent, Ushuaia is known as the gateway to Antarctica. This port city is the perfect vantage point to view the remarkable lights of the aurora australis. The city lies in the Tierra del Fuego National Park, with many nearby mountains providing ideal conditions for aurora sightings.
2. Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch is a coastal city located in the Canterbury region on the South Island of New Zealand and is a popular spot for aurora watching. With its fertile land and mild climate, the city offers plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of the aurora australis. In addition, the Recliff Hill observatory makes it easy to view the sky from a higher elevation.
3. Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands offer one of the best places in the world to view the aurora australis. Located in the South Atlantic, the remote nature of the islands provides excellent dark skies for aurora watching. Think of it as a private paradise where you can experience the wonders of the aurora without the hustle and bustle of the city.
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, one of the premier tourist destinations in New Zealand, is also a great place to see the aurora australis. With its stunning landscape, clear air and low light pollution, this city is an ideal spot for star gazing. In addition, the nearby Coromandel range provides a picturesque backdrop for mesmerizing aurora shows.
5. Stanley, Tasmania
Located on the remote island of Tasmania, Stanley is known as the “Aurora Capital of the World”. This small town enjoys some of the darkest skies in the world, and is a great place to go aurora spotting. With a variety of nearby observatories and lookout points, Stanley is a great base from which to explore the aurora australis.
7. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
Patagonia, located in the southernmost region of South America, is known for its incredible natural beauty and pristine dark skies. This region offers some of the best views of the aurora australis, with many locations providing ideal conditions for aurora spotting. The wind-swept landscapes, combined with the abundance of mountain peaks, provide the perfect environment for admiration of this incredible natural phenomenon.
8. Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and is a great destination to view the aurora australis. With its remote location, the island offers plenty of dark skies and an ideal environment for star gazing. The unique combination of its geographical location and clear skies make it one of the best places to admire the natural beauty of the aurora australis.
9. Kerguelen Islands, French Southern Territories
The Kerguelen Islands are located in the Indian Ocean, far away from any major landmass. With its remote location and isolated atmosphere, the Kerguelen Islands offers some of the best opportunities to view the aurora australis. Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars and a telescope to get the best view of this incredible sight.
10. Stewart Island, New Zealand
Located off the southern coast of New Zealand, Stewart Island is one of the best places in the world to view the aurora australis. The island offers excellent dark skies and plenty of outdoor activities to take in the sights.
