1 aurora australis | Definition of aurora australis
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aurora australis

noun
aurora aus·​tra·​lis | \ -ȯ-ˈstrā-ləs How to pronounce aurora australis (audio) , -ä-ˈstrā-\

Definition of aurora australis

: an aurora that occurs in earth's southern hemisphere

— called also southern lights

Examples of aurora australis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Being the most southerly chunk of landmass on the planet, Antarctica is the quintessential spot for viewing the aurora australis in all its brilliant glory. — Jennifer Nalewicki, Smithsonian, "The Best Places to See the Southern Lights," 29 July 2017 Here are four aurora australis hotspots for those looking for a southern celestial spectacle. — Jennifer Nalewicki, Smithsonian, "The Best Places to See the Southern Lights," 29 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aurora australis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of aurora australis

circa 1734, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for aurora australis

New Latin, literally, southern dawn

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