In the days leading up to this night, reports were circulating telling us an intense aurora storm was on its way. Terms we'd grown familiar with over the years were suddenly everywhere – solar storm, sunspots, geomagnetic storm, G4, G5, solar winds, Kp8, Kp9, solar flares, CMEs – we were definitely on alert!

While having breakfast on the morning of 11th May 2024 I rechecked the forecast - and it appeared that 'it' was well and truly ON! So during the day, we made decisions about where we'd go, prepared our camera gear - and took an afternoon nap - so we'd be ready to travel to our chosen location before day became night.

While the aurora forecast had hinted at something promising, nothing could have prepared us for the magnitude of what unfolded. As night fell over Tasmania, a vibrant spectacle of celestial light filled the sky – not just along the southern horizon, as we often expect, but in every direction. To the south, east, west and north and even directly overhead, streaks of colour shimmered, danced and rippled across the sky.

This was no ordinary display. It was the result of a significant geomagnetic storm – a celestial storm that reached the highest level on the geomgnetic storm scale – a G5 – propelling the Aurora Australis far beyond its usual reach. From deep magentas and fiery reds to electric greens and violet hues, the colours shifted and moved with a rhythm only the cosmos fully understands.

For a photographer, moments like this are the pinnacle of awe and creativity. I found myself pausing between exposures, simply to absorb the magnificence with my own eyes. It was one of those times that stirred a profound sense of awe – a reminder of just how small we really are beneath our vast and vibrant sky.

If you were lucky enough to witness this extraordinary storm, you’ll know just how hard it is to put the experience into words. And if you weren’t, I hope the slideshows I’ve shared offer a sense of the wonder and emotion that filled the air that night.

On a personal note: This night was even more special for us was that it came at a significant time in our lives. Roy was midway through two surgeries to combat cancer (and yes, he triumphed!). We are truly grateful that he was able to get out and experience this extraordinary event for himself – he needed it; we both did. If this aurora had occurred even a week earlier or later, we may not have had that chance. We’ll forever be grateful that we did.