New exhibition illuminates the science and beauty of the Aurora Australis

A new collaborative photographic exhibition, Southern Nights, will open at the Social Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre in Hobart from 8–18 August 2025, offering a striking blend of art and science inspired by the Aurora Australis.

Presented as part of National Science Week and supported by Inspiring Tasmania, Dark Sky Tasmania, and Beaker Street Festival, the exhibition features work from acclaimed photographers Luke Tscharke, Paul Hoelen, Benjamin Alldridge, and Dr Andrew Phipps.

Together, they have captured the splendour of the southern lights through 24 large-format framed prints, each accompanied by accessible scientific explanations detailing the space weather and atmospheric phenomena responsible for the aurora.

The exhibition also includes time-lapse presentations, a real-time aurora dashboard displaying current space weather conditions, and a detailed exhibition guide exploring the story and science behind each image.

Public programming around Southern Nights includes photography workshops and a special talk, Chasing Auroras, on Saturday 17 August at the Beaker Street Festival.

Tickets for the talk are available at: tickets.beakerstreet.com.au

Exhibition details:
When: 8–18 August 2025, 10:00am – 5:00pm daily
Where: Social Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre, 67 Salamanca Place, Hobart
Official Opening: Friday 8 August, 6:00–8:00pm

More information: southernnights.com.au