Epic Auroral Display 12th Nov 25

Ummm, what to do, what to do…..!!

The solar storm stats were brewing yesterday afternoon, far beyond anything I have seen, perhaps ever. After last May’s epic storm, I wasn’t sure we would see much better. Especially seeing this solar cycle has been a bit lack lustre in terms of regular displays (in my opinion). Yet, with THREE coronal mass ejections inbound to earth, this was a wee reminder that the dipping peak of Solar Cycle 25, can still deliver.

BUT… and a BIG BUT… was, will terrestrial weather be in our favour?!
Murphy Law’s was well at play with almost certain cloud cover over most of NZ, with only a few fleeting gaps. Fortunately, with a bit of advance planning, modern weather models online, a bit of good luck, and a narrow window of opportunity, I had just a spot in mind. After quick message to the farmer, I set off to I try my luck!

So despite huge cloud cover most of the night, I managed to get some of the display. Most of the time was just a dark bank of cloud, with the odd glowing spot peaking through. After initially packing up, and in the car ready to leave, I decided to try one more set up (after noting there may be another short burst inbound, coming in past the relevant satellites, combined with a clearing patch of sky moving overhead).

These levels were only a fraction of what they were earlier in the day. I can only imagine if we didnt have such heavy cloud cover, and if the earlier levels held, this may almost have been a once in a lifetime event.

The two big bulls behind me all night though didnt care much!

2250hrs NZDT 12 Nov ’25.
Springston, Canterbury.
(Shot on private land, with permission).