Chasing The Southern Lights: Aurora Australis In Chile 2019

by Jhon Lennon 60 views

Have you ever dreamt of witnessing the mesmerizing dance of the Aurora Australis? For many, seeing the Southern Lights is a bucket-list experience, and in 2019, Chile offered a unique vantage point to observe this breathtaking phenomenon. Let's dive into the details of the aurora displays in Chile during 2019, exploring why this location is special, what made the 2019 sightings noteworthy, and how you can plan your own adventure to witness the magic of the Southern Lights.

Why Chile? A Prime Location for Aurora Hunting

So, why Chile, guys? What makes this South American country such a great spot for catching the Aurora Australis? Well, it all boils down to geography. The Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis, are most commonly seen in high-latitude regions closer to the South Pole. Places like Antarctica, New Zealand, and Tasmania are popular choices, but Chile offers something special: accessibility and infrastructure.

Accessibility is Key: Unlike Antarctica, which requires specialized expeditions, or remote parts of New Zealand and Tasmania, Chile boasts relatively easy access to locations with dark skies and southern horizons. This makes it a more practical option for many aurora hunters.

Dark Skies Abound: Northern Chile, in particular, is renowned for its exceptionally dark skies, thanks to the dry desert climate and minimal light pollution. The Atacama Desert, home to world-class astronomical observatories, provides ideal conditions for stargazing and aurora viewing. Imagine standing beneath a canopy of stars, with the Milky Way stretching across the sky, and then, BAM! The Aurora Australis appears, painting the horizon with vibrant colors. That's the kind of experience Chile offers.

Infrastructure and Comfort: Let's be real, chasing auroras can be challenging. You're often out in the cold, waiting for hours in the dark. Chile offers a comfortable experience, with readily available accommodations, transportation, and other amenities. You can enjoy the thrill of the aurora hunt without sacrificing basic comforts. Plus, you can explore the stunning landscapes of Chile during the day, making it a well-rounded travel experience.

So, if you're serious about seeing the Southern Lights, don't overlook Chile. It's a fantastic option that combines accessibility, dark skies, and comfortable travel.

The Aurora Australis of 2019: A Year to Remember

2019 was a particularly exciting year for aurora enthusiasts in Chile. While the Aurora Australis is visible from Chile on occasion, the displays in 2019 were more frequent and intense than in recent years. Several factors contributed to this heightened activity. Solar activity plays a huge role. The sun goes through cycles of activity, with periods of increased solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These solar events send charged particles hurtling towards Earth, which interact with our planet's magnetic field and atmosphere, creating the auroras. In 2019, we saw an uptick in solar activity, leading to more frequent and vibrant aurora displays.

Geomagnetic Storms: Geomagnetic storms, caused by the impact of CMEs on Earth's magnetosphere, can significantly enhance the visibility of auroras. During these storms, the auroral oval expands, bringing the lights to lower latitudes, like Chile. Several strong geomagnetic storms occurred in 2019, resulting in spectacular aurora sightings across the country.

Social Media Buzz: The increased aurora activity in Chile during 2019 generated a lot of buzz on social media. Stunning photos and videos of the Southern Lights over Chilean landscapes flooded the internet, inspiring many to consider their own aurora-chasing adventures. The power of social media in spreading awareness and excitement about natural phenomena like the aurora cannot be overstated.

Eyewitness Accounts: People who witnessed the auroras in Chile during 2019 describe them as truly unforgettable experiences. Colors ranging from green and pink to red and purple danced across the night sky, creating an ethereal spectacle that left viewers in awe. The intensity and vibrancy of the colors were particularly impressive, making the 2019 aurora displays a highlight for many stargazers and nature enthusiasts.

So, if you missed the 2019 show, don't worry! The sun's activity is constantly changing, and there will be more opportunities to witness the Aurora Australis in Chile in the future.

Planning Your Aurora Adventure in Chile

Okay, so you're inspired and ready to chase the Southern Lights in Chile? Awesome! Here’s how to plan your aurora adventure, step by step.

Best Time to Go: The best time to see the Aurora Australis in Chile is during the Southern Hemisphere's winter months, from March to September. During this period, the nights are longer and darker, providing more opportunities to spot the auroras. Keep in mind that aurora activity is unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the space weather forecasts before you go.

Where to Go: As mentioned earlier, Northern Chile, particularly the Atacama Desert, offers the best conditions for aurora viewing. Look for locations away from city lights, with clear views of the southern horizon. Some popular spots include:

  • San Pedro de Atacama: This town is a popular base for exploring the Atacama Desert and offers a range of accommodations and tours.
  • ALMA Observatory: While you can't observe through the telescopes, the surrounding area offers exceptionally dark skies.
  • Paranal Observatory: Another excellent location with minimal light pollution. Check for public visitation opportunities.

What to Pack: Chasing auroras requires some preparation, especially when it comes to clothing. Dress in layers to stay warm in the cold desert nights. Essentials include:

  • Warm layers: Thermal underwear, fleece jackets, and a down coat are essential.
  • Hats, gloves, and scarves: Don't forget to protect your extremities from the cold.
  • Sturdy shoes: You'll be walking on uneven terrain, so wear comfortable and supportive shoes.
  • Camera equipment: If you want to capture the auroras, bring a camera with manual settings and a tripod.

Tips for Aurora Photography: Capturing stunning photos of the Aurora Australis requires some technical know-how. Here are a few tips:

  • Use a wide-angle lens: This will allow you to capture more of the sky and the aurora.
  • Set your camera to manual mode: Adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to get the best results.
  • Use a tripod: This will keep your camera steady and prevent blurry images.
  • Experiment with different settings: Don't be afraid to try different combinations of settings to see what works best.

Space Weather Forecasts: Before you head out, check the space weather forecasts to see the likelihood of aurora activity. Websites like SpaceWeatherLive and NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center provide valuable information about solar activity and geomagnetic storms.

Be Patient: Aurora hunting requires patience. Sometimes, you may have to wait for hours before the lights appear. Be prepared to spend time outdoors, and bring snacks and drinks to keep you comfortable.

Beyond the Aurora: Exploring Chile

While chasing the Aurora Australis is the main goal, don't forget to explore the other incredible attractions that Chile has to offer. The country boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from the arid Atacama Desert to the towering Andes Mountains and the stunning Patagonia region.

Atacama Desert: Explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert, including the Moon Valley, the Tatio Geysers, and the colorful Rainbow Valley. Go stargazing, sandboarding, or simply soak in the unique beauty of this desert region.

Andes Mountains: Hike through the majestic Andes Mountains, visit stunning lakes and glaciers, and experience the thrill of skiing or snowboarding in world-class resorts.

Patagonia: Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, with its towering granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and vast ice fields. Hike the famous W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park, go kayaking among icebergs, or simply marvel at the raw beauty of this remote region.

Santiago: Explore the vibrant capital city of Santiago, with its historic architecture, bustling markets, and world-class museums. Visit the Plaza de Armas, wander through the colorful neighborhood of Bellavista, and sample Chilean cuisine.

Chile offers a wealth of experiences beyond aurora hunting. Take the time to explore the country's diverse landscapes and immerse yourself in its rich culture.

Conclusion: Your Aurora Adventure Awaits

Witnessing the Aurora Australis in Chile is an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of the aurora hunt with the opportunity to explore a stunning and diverse country. By planning your trip carefully, checking the space weather forecasts, and being patient, you can increase your chances of seeing the Southern Lights dance across the Chilean skies. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your aurora adventure today! Remember the magic of the aurora displays in Chile during 2019, let that inspire you to embark on your own journey to witness this incredible natural phenomenon. And who knows, maybe you'll capture the next viral photo of the Aurora Australis over the Chilean landscape!