Lighting up the night sky

Martha Esparon snapped this photo on Saturday night at Rythdale Recreation Reserve on an iPhone in night mode. No editing or filters were used.

By Ava Cashmore

An “extreme” geomagnetic storm led to a stunning aurora australis over the weekend.

The first of its kind in more than 20 years, the G5 planetary geomagnetic storm meant anyone with a modern phone could capture the lights, while professional photographers drove far and wide for the best vantage points to set up their gear.

Most had luck by using long exposures – and holding the camera steady or using a tripod – and cranking up the ISO.

Thank you to everyone who emailed in their photos.