If you looked up at the night sky across much of Australia last week, from Tasmania right up to Queensland, you might’ve seen something pretty incredible!

The Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, put on a rare light show. The night sky was lit up in pinks, purples and greens — and in places where you’d normally never expect to see it.

But how was it triggered? And why was it here in Australia?

To help us understand what caused it — and why it showed up over Australia — we’re joined by Dr Benjamin Pope, Associate Professor at Macquarie University.