Australia Weather News
Skies around the world have shone with extraordinary colours overnight due to a rare solar weather event.
The aurora borealis and australis — the northern and southern lights — stunned those who ventured outside to take in the views, and provided amateur photographers with the opportunity to take some truly spectacular pictures.
A geomagnetic storm of a strength not seen for two decades was behind the phenomena.
Here is a selection of some of the most stunning displays.
Aurora australis
Photographer Sean O'Riordan, who was visiting Tasmania, said he was lucky enough to photograph the aurora before flying to Brisbane on Saturday.
"I was literally on the beach shooting and I had to wrap up and run back to the camper, pack my bag, change and get to the airport," Mr O'Riordan said.
He said the colours were visible to the naked eye.
"You could see the pillars and the beams that were rising off it, which was incredible," he said.
"I've never seen anything like it before. There was just a mash of red, green pink."