How does a magnetic storm on the Sun cause the Southern Lights? Astronomer Slava Kitaeff explains

Last weekend, social media was filled with photos of aurora australis, the strongest Southern Lights in two decades. The reason was a strong magnetic solar storm. How does this work? Astronomer Slava Kitaeff, Associate Director of the eResearch Center at Monash University, explains.

The largest solar storm since 2003 causes Aurora Australis, The Southern Lights, to be visible in Melbourne and across Southern Australia. Source: SIPA USA / Alex Zucco/SIPA

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