[Miracle of the Southern Hemisphere] Aurora Borealis in Queenstown✨

🌌 A once-in-a-lifetime view of the Southern Hemisphere's curtain of light One night, while I was in Queenstown, an unexpected miracle occurred. The sky suddenly began to glow purple and green, swaying gently like a curtain. It was the Aurora Australis (southern aurora). Compared to the Northern Hemisphere's Aurora Borealis, the Southern Hemisphere's aurora is relatively unknown in Japan. I never expected to see such a vibrant display of light coloring the sky on a lakeside with city lights still lit. ⸻ 📍 Where I saw it: Lake Wakatipu A lakeside location within walking distance of central Queenstown. The contrast between the mountains, city lights, and the three-layered aurora spreading across the sky was simply stunning. Location Features • The aurora reflected on the lake surface is magical • The mountain silhouette accentuates the light • On light winds, the water surface becomes like a mirror ⸻ 🎥 About Photography The light was so strong that it could be captured even with a smartphone. Using long exposure mode beautifully captures the streaks and flickering of light. Photography Tips • iPhone: Night mode × Tripod / Fixed handrail • Shutter time: Approx. 5-10 seconds • Aim for the moment when the clouds break or the light stretches vertically. ⸻ 🌠 Why are there auroras in Queenstown? When solar flares intensify, geomagnetic storms can cause the light, normally seen in the Antarctic Circle, to reach all the way to New Zealand's South Island. The probability is particularly high when the following conditions are met: • Strong solar wind (Kp value 6-8) • A night with few clouds • A day with a small moon • A dark location slightly outside of the city #AuroraAustralis #SouthernLights #Aurora #SouthernHemisphereAurora #Queenstown #NewZealand #LakeWakatipu #MiraculousMoment #BreathtakingView #TravelRecord #PhotographyLovers #StarrySky #NightSkyGazing