Hidden aurora found near NZ  Aurora Australis Observed from the
International Space Station. Photo / Supplied Aurora Australis
Observed from the International Space Station. Photo / Supplied
American scientists say they have recorded evidence in New
Zealand of the onset of a new cycle of solar-terrestrial
activity.  The key results being reported by researchers from
Boston University's Centre for Space Physics that they have deal
with the fact that recent aurora australis displays at high
latitudes - ones visible to the naked eye - are accompanied by
far less luminous glows in the atmosphere at lower latitudes.
"It's exciting to see the return of aurora to mid-latitudes,"
New Zealander Dr Steve Smith said, referring to the periodic
occurrence of emissions in the Earth's atmosphere that have
intrigued observers from ancient to modern times.  What has
fascinated space scientists in recent years is the delayed onset
of such effects. Typically, the sun has an activity cycle of
about 11 years, with flares and ej