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New Zealand welcomes vaccinated tourists from Australia and relaxes more policies.

The latest steps toward reopening are being taken in a country that has maintained some of the strictest coronavirus precautions in the world.

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By Natasha Frost

• April 13, 2022

Thousands of tourists and international students arrived in New Zealand from Australia on Wednesday, some to reunite with family and friends, in a further sign of reopening in countries that have maintained some of the world’s strictest coronavirus restrictions.

In the largest influx of new arrivals in many months, at least 4,000 passengers on Air New Zealand flights alone arrived at airports throughout New Zealand, many of them Australians with family living in New Zealand, after the border reopened to Australian citizens and permanent residents arriving from anywhere in the world, as well as up to 5,000 international students.

New Zealand citizens were already able to enter, and the country intends to reopen to travelers from elsewhere in the world in a phased reopening over the coming months.

At Auckland International Airport, Justine Kanapu told the national broadcaster Radio New Zealand that she was waiting to see her mother — who was traveling from the Australian city of Perth — for the first time in almost three years. “We have missed out on a lot: my parents’ 60th birthdays, some funerals, some real special moments and some real sad moments,” she said. “So I can’t wait to see my Mum.”

Almost all flights have been canceled since the closure of a “bubble” across the Tasman Sea ended most travel between the two countries in July. For some families, it was the first opportunity to reunite in years.

At midnight local time, New Zealand also relaxed some additional pandemic restrictions , including abandoning a mask mandate in many settings and encouraging a return to workplaces.

Australia, which has mostly reopened its borders to international travelers, has permitted travel from New Zealand since October . But New Zealand is only now following suit. The change comes after a major outbreak of the Omicron variant, in which the number of reported daily cases and deaths in New Zealand rose to heights far exceeding the country’s previous records.

Despite multiple attempts to establish sustained quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand, a “bubble” between the two countries has been repeatedly halted throughout the pandemic because of outbreaks in both countries. Many people opted not to travel at all to avoid being stranded, leading to months of separation.

Before the pandemic, Auckland International Airport was a major hub, with more than 21 million passengers passing through in the financial year ending in 2019, according to the airport . Since March 2020, its international terminal has been all but deserted.

In preparation for the border reopening, Air New Zealand, New Zealand’s national airline, added an additional 96 flights, for a total of 20,000 seats, between Australia and New Zealand from April until June, said Leanne Geraghty, the airline’s chief customer and sales officer.

Both Australia and New Zealand adopted “zero-Covid” approaches for much of the pandemic, closing their borders in March 2020 with few exceptions and mandating a two-week quarantine in a hotel for returning citizens on arrival. People arriving in New Zealand on Wednesday were required to be vaccinated and were asked only to take a pre-departure coronavirus test, and to test again in the days after their arrival.

Natasha Frost writes the Europe Morning Briefing and reports on Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific from Melbourne, Australia. More about Natasha Frost

Sustainable travel is way easier said than done... so what steps can Aussies realistically take?

By Jemima Skelley | 3 days ago

While the majority of Australians see the benefits of sustainable travel , the general consensus is that it's a lot easier said than done.

According to new Booking.com research, it is important to 77 per cent of Aussie travellers, but insights show a sense of weariness could be emerging.

Though we want to do our bit for the earth , it feels as though it's all a bit out of our own hands.

READ MORE: It's not too late to check out the spectacular autumn foliage in Canberra - here are the best places

In fact, 40 per cent of surveyed Aussies believe that it's up to travel service providers to ensure that the options they provide are sustainable.

So... what can we do?

Don't make it the central focus of your trip

One-third of those surveyed by Booking.com said they're tired of hearing about climate change all the time, while half said that yes, sustainable travel is important, it's not their main priority.

Unless you're a billionaire with nothing but time to plan the perfect sustainable holiday, it's near-impossible to travel without leaving your mark.

READ MORE: Every Australian should see Uluru at least once - here's the best way to do it

So instead of getting caught up in the buzzwords and trends, it's better to just focus on the small changes you can make. 

Book through platforms that offer sustainable options

Whether you're booking a hotel, holiday home, rental car, flight or attraction on Booking.com, you can filter listings by third-party sustainability certification.

This way, you'll only see providers that are certified as sustainable, without having to put in the effort to search.

The site encourages hotels to not only adopt more sustainable practices but also make it very clear to travellers the measures they are taking in their listing.

Reconsider your destination

We've seen a huge spike in tourism in the past few years, which is great for the industry, but has led to issues with overtourism in some places.

READ MORE: Vanuatu is the perfect place for a holiday, even if it's rainy

This puts a considerable strain on local communities. An easy way to travel more sustainably is to avoid these overtouristed destinations - or just visit them in the off-season.

For example, there are a ton of places in Europe that are much quieter than cities like Paris, Venice, Amsterdam, and London - plus they're cheaper, too.

Seek out local experiences

The best way to see a new city or town is by experiencing it the way locals do.

Once you're done with the big attractions and museums, seek out a locally-run tour for an authentic experience. Booking.com's data found that 97 per cent of travellers who did this found it to enhance their trip.

It doesn't even have to be anything elaborate - shop at local grocery stores instead of chains, and rent a bike from a local supplier or take public transit instead of taking a taxi.

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Why these six Australian travel experiences and hidden gems are a must

• The six 'best' Aussie travel experiences have been named  
• The Uniquely Aussie Awards celebrate hidden gems that are taken for granted
• Categories include best sandwich, brewery and hot spring
• READ MORE:  Hidden gem Queensland town dubbed 'the new Noosa' 

Flat whites, breweries, a top quality sanga and beautiful hot springs are among the most underrated and 'uniquely Aussie' experiences this year.

The annual Wotif Uniquely Aussie Awards are back, with hidden gems from each state acknowledged based on votes from thousands of domestic travellers and locals. 

This year the six categories chosen were the best hot springs, botanic gardens, sandwich, hotel room service, brewery and flat white - and while there were finalists from each state and territory, Tasmania and Victoria failed to nab a spot on the list. 

'With one in seven businesses in Australia directly connected to tourism, the awards are focused on recognising and celebrating some of the very best,' Wotif MD, Daniel Finch, told FEMAIL.

'Each year we set out to celebrate the very best in Australia travel and with this year's awards, we selected categories that highlight classic experiences where Australia punches well above its weight but that are often taken for granted. 

'Whether it's a smooth Aussie flat white, artisan sanga or finely brewed beer, there are just some things that nowhere else does quite like Australia.'

BEST FLAT WHITE: The Cupping Room, ACT

While Melbourne is usually the place to go for a brew, this hot spot in Canberra is home to what many believe is the best aromatic flat white.

It's brewed by award-winning roasters from the highest quality and sustainable green coffee beans. The café is also one of four in the ACT by Ona, an award-winning roaster that promises unique coffee experiences.

There are three different types of beans on the milk coffee menu, a dark chocolatey option called Black Betty ($4), the caramel and dried fruit-infused Founder ($4.50), and the quirky Raspberry Candy ($5) which has notes of white chocolate and berries.

The team also freezes all individual doses of coffee because beans taste their best two to three weeks after roasting. Once they hit that timeframe the beans are frozen in test tubes to lock in the best qualities.

'Freezing coffee in individual doses ensures that we do not waste coffee past its best age. All coffee, including espresso and filter single origins or milk based blends can be frozen for a few years,' they said.

'We went there twice on a recent visit to Canberra and we're very impressed by the food, the coffee and the friendly service. The funny thing about coffee is that you think you're drinking good coffee until you come to a place like this and realise what a great coffee tastes like,' a customer said.

State finalists: Single O Surry Hills, NSW, Proud Mary Coffee, Collingwood, VIC, Fonzie Abbott, Albion, QLD, Pop Rocket Cafe, Katherine, NT, Haz Beanz Finestkind Coffee, Albany, WA, My Kingdom for a Horse, Adelaide, SA, Bury Me Standing, Hobart, TAS.

BEST BREWERY: Felons Brewing Co, QLD

Voters agreed it's all about the atmosphere when it comes to a good brewery, which is why Brisbane's Felons took out the title.

The brewery, which sits under the iconic Story Bridge, offers more than just a wide range of quality beer, has a pirate playground kids and is dog-friendly.

'This is my personal favourite of the bunch. The atmosphere and friendly hospitality are second to none,' Mr Finch told FEMAIL.

It's named after a true tale of 'four felons' who were blown off course and shipwrecked on Moreton Island in 1823, on their way to Illawarra from Sydney.

READ MORE: The best 'Aussie' experiences in the country

'Their thirst for adventure and freedom lives on today in our beer - proudly brewed for the people of Brisbane,' they say.

Beers include an extensive range of pale ales, lagers and mids, as well as adventurous limited releases and a tasting paddle. The 'Galaxy Haze' is a big hit in summer - a 4.4 per cent pale ale with pops of citrus and passionfruit.

'The place to be with friends on the weekend for good beers and food! It serves fresh beers and amazing pizzas. Ordered both Galaxy Haze (fruity) and Crisp Lager - both were good,' a customer wrote.

State finalists:  Modus Brewing Mereweather, NSW, Bright Brewery, VIC, Six Tanks Brew Pub, Darwin, NT, Gage Roads Freo Brewery, WA, Capital Brewery Co, Fyshwick< ACT, Prancing Pony Brewery, Totness, SA, Du Cane Brewing, Launceston, TAS.

BEST HOTEL ROOM SERVICE: EOS by Skycity, SA

This hotel earned praise thanks to its on-call mixologist ready to create your favourite cocktail (or mocktail) and the in-room hair and make-up services.

In a prime location in the heart of Adelaide city, EOS describes itself as 'your springboard to the best of Adelaide's rich history, world-famous cuisine and the natural beauty of South Australia'.

Referring to guests as ' travellers and connoisseurs, not tourists', the award-winning hotel gets to know guests personally and promises on-hand personalised service and unrivalled luxury. Rooms start at $399 a night.

In addition to the intuitive room design and technology including an in-room tablet and keyless entry, services include jet-lag treatments, personal training, curated itineraries and home-cooked meals.  

'An absolutely phenomenal luxury experience. Staff are friendly, helpful and happy and add so much to the experience. Great selection of local (not mass produced) products in the mini bar and fabulous in room dining experience. A great place to stay, close to everything,' a guest wrote.

Another added: 'The staff were so friendly the minute we arrived at the hotel. We came back from going out and they were so nice to turn down our beds and leave us a cup of tea. This is one of the best examples of service I have ever received.'

State finalists: The Langham, Sydney, NSW, The Hotel Windsor, VIC, Emporium Hotel South Bank, QLD, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs, NT, Warders Hotel Fremantle, WA, East Hotel, ACT, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, TAS.

BEST SANGA: South Dowling Sandwiches, NSW

This humble family-owned alcove in Darlinghurst and Barangaroo has been perfecting the Aussie sanga for more than 15 years.

Prepared with fresh ingredients and prepared right in front of you, it's the overloaded fillings at the generous starting price of $11 that makes their sandwiches fan favourites.

Stand-outs include The Biatch - made with chilli chicken, homemade red pesto, homemade herb mayo, lettuce, rocket, pickles, red cabbage, homemade caramelised carrots and bocconcini - and The Banter - made with chicken schnitzel, salad, tasty cheese, caramelised carrots, herb mayo, red pesto and avocado.

'Absolute value for money! Massive sandwiches, packed with veggies and flavour. The massive lines are totally understandable. Tried both the veggie and vegan options which were both delicious. The caramelised carrots are to die for. Totally worth the hype,' a customer said.

State finalists: Hector’s Deli, Richmond, VIC, Melt Brothers, Brisbane, QLD, The Black Russian Caravan Bar, Katherine, NT, The Re Store, WA, Little Luxton, Gordon, ACT, Bottega Bandito, Prospect, SA, Pigeon Whole Bakers, Hobart, TAS.

BEST BOTANIC GARDENS: Western Australian Botanic Gardens, WA

This breathtaking hub is home to more than 1,700 unique native species.

The enchanting garden hosts dazzling displays of wildflowers and native bushlands and boasts a stunning outlook of Perth and the Swan River. 

Those who visit can also explore a number of different gardens, walkways and terraces over 17 hectares, as well as enjoy various light shows that are put on throughout the year.

Unlike many botanic gardens, it is free to enter and is open 24 hours a day. It's also a popular spot for family picnics, live music, education programs and the Kings Park Festival which attracts more than half a million visitors each September. 

'The most beautiful displays of Australian flora that I've ever seen. Incredible views of the city and surrounding bodies of water. Lots of easy walkways and interesting bridges, pretty accessible even for wheelchairs for most of the park (some hills when you get deeper in),' a visitor said.

State finalists: Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, NSW, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, VIC, Cairns Botanic Gardens, QLD, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, NT, Western Australian Botanic Garden, WA, Australian National Botanic Gardens, ACT, Adelaide Botanic Garden, SA, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, TAS.

BEST HOT SPRINGS: Mataranka Thermal Pool, NT

The Mataranka Thermal Pool is one of two thermal springs in the Northern Territory's Elsey National Park. 

The stunning natural hot spring has crystal-blue waters that stay at a comfortable temperature of 34 degrees Celsius year-round and are believed to help relieve aches and pains. 

The series of breathtaking pools are near the small town of Mataranka, an hour south of Katherine. The fresh spring-water pools can be found at the end of a 500-metre walking track that winds through the bushland under towering palm trees.

Thermal pools are said to reduce pain and inflammation thanks to the mineral content in the water. It also improves circulation through dilated blood vessels and lymphatic drainage. 

The thermal pools, which are naturally filled with water from the nearby Daly and Georgina basins, make for the perfect Instagram backdrop thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters shaded by tropical palms. 

'It's a fantastic place to swim. The water is crystal clear and the temperature is around 32 degrees all year. Its varying depths make it good for people of all ages and it was personally my favourite place to swim whilst in the Northern Territory,' a visitor said.

State finalists: Lightning Ridge Bore Baths, NSW, Peninsula Hot Springs, VIC, Innot Hot Springs, QLD, Zebedee Springs, WA, Dalhousie Springs, SA, Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs, TAS.

Australian tourists are outspending everyone else on one thing overseas

A recent report reveals that australian tourists lead global spending on experiences and nightlife during vacations..

The report found Japan is gaining popularity with Australian travellers due, largely, to the yen being near a 17-year low against the Australian dollar. Source: Getty / Zhang Peng/LightRocket

• Australian tourists spend nearly a fifth of their holiday budget on experiences and nightlife.
• A new report has found that Australian travellers prioritise experiences over retail therapy when abroad.
• Fiji, Bali, Tokyo, Queenstown, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Osaka have experienced tourism booms since the pandemic.

This country has beaten New Zealand to be the top travel destination for Australians

Can Ruby the kangaroo bring Chinese tourists hopping back to Australia?

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News & features, winter center, news / weather news, plane makes successful wheels-up emergency landing in australia after circling airport for hours.

Two passengers and a pilot emerged unscathed from a small plane after it was forced to land without landing gear following a mechanical failure at Newcastle Airport in Australia’s New South Wales.

By Helen Regan, CNN

Published May 13, 2024 6:47 AM PDT | Updated May 13, 2024 8:37 AM PDT

A plane was forced to land with its landing gear up at the Newcastle Airport in Australia on May 13. The two passengers onboard and the pilot escaped unscathed from the small passenger aircraft.

(CNN) — Two passengers and a pilot emerged unscathed from a small plane after it was forced to land without landing gear following a mechanical failure at Newcastle Airport in Australia’s New South Wales.

The plane, a Beach B-200 Super King, circled the airport for hours burning fuel before making a “textbook” wheels-up emergency landing, CNN affiliate Nine News reported .

Footage shows the plane approaching the runway without its landing gear activated before touching down and skidding along the tarmac until coming to a stop.

Emergency response vehicles were on standby and could be seen in the video racing to the aid of the plane.

A plane makes successful wheels-up emergency landing in Newcastle, Australia after circling airport for hours, on May 13. (Nine News via CNN Newsource)

Superintendent Wayne Humphrey from NSW police praised the 53-year-old pilot for executing a successful landing, saying that nobody was injured and the passengers had even been able to drive home, Nine News reported.

“It was a great result, really well done by the pilot,” Humphrey reportedly said. “I could hear him on the air, he sounded very calm to me.”

The plane had been circling the airport for several hours in order to burn fuel.

Those guiding the plane down in the control room burst into applause when they saw it had landed safely, Humphrey said.

The plane had been scheduled to make a 26-minute flight from Newcastle to Port Macquarie, about 400 kilometers (248 miles) north of Sydney.

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The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Australia remains nz’s top travel destination according to latest nielsen data, 3 minute read | may 2024, plus, the brands spending big to attract kiwi tourists.

• Industry’s biggest ad spenders revealed as travel marketing budgets jump 2%
• Top local and overseas destinations revealed
• Most popular NZ travel websites
• Winners of the frequent flyer war 

Auckland – May 21, 2024 – As the weather cools, more than 160,000 New Zealanders are looking for a much-needed overseas getaway, with relaxing and warm destinations topping their list of places to visit in the next 12 months, while travel brands are spending millions to get their business.

Additionally, Nielsen Consumer Media Insights (CMI) data shows that 77% of Kiwis plan on travelling domestically in the next 12 months, with 76% of them saying spending time with friends and family is their main reason for getting away.

Top domestic destinations

When it comes to travelling domestically, Queenstown is the number one destination, followed by Christchurch/Canterbury, Auckland, Wellington, then Rotorua.

Top overseas destinations

Australia remains the top overseas travel destination for Kiwis, with Sydney topping the list, followed by the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Brisbane, Western Australia, Adelaide, and Far North Queensland.

After Australia, the UK and Europe are the most desired OS destinations, with the Pacific Islands, the USA and Canada, and Asia close behind.

Top travel websites

Data from Nielsen NZ NOR also saw Air New Zealand claim top spot when it comes to travel websites in Q1, 2024, followed by Booking Holdings Network and Trip Advisor.

Top frequent flyer programs

The number of New Zealanders who are members of a frequent flyer program also increased, with data revealing travellers are now members of multiple rewards programs. Of those planning to travel in the next 12 months 59% are Flybuys members, followed by AA Smartfuel/Countdown OneCard members (58%), Air New Zealand Airports members (57%) and New World Club Cards members (52%).

Top travel advertisers

In addition, Nielsen Ad Intel data shows that New Zealand’s travel and tourism industry invested almost $225 million into advertising between April 2023 to March 2024 – a 2% increase on the same period year-on-year.

During that time, Flight Centre was the nation’s top ad spender, followed by Air New Zealand, then House of Travel.

Nielsen Ad Intel’s Pacific Commercial Lead, Rose Lopreiato, said: “New Zealanders’ passion for travel remains strong, evidenced by an increase in travel ad spend this quarter. This uptick highlights marketers’ and advertisers’ commitment to maximising ROI, while building lasting brand connections. Ad Intel provides a competitive edge by delivering detailed insights into competitors’ ad strategies, market messaging, and promo offers, allowing you to outpace them.”

Glenn Channell, Nielsen’s Pacific Head of Advanced Analytics added: “More than ever, brands need data that gives them the edge on their competition. That means going above standard demographic information, and understanding consumers, in this case travellers, as unique groups, who are motivated by more than just the urge to get away. Nielsen’s CMI enables brands to see consumers through an advanced audience lens, delivering a more holistic picture of behaviours and preferences with surprising linkages and purchase triggers that other consumer insight providers can’t match.”

About Nielsen

Nielsen shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviours across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences – now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries. 

Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram). 

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Australia sending evacuation flights to pick up those stranded in New Caledonia

The federal government is sending two flights to riot-stricken New Caledonia to pick up stranded Australian tourists as the French Pacific territory continues to grapple with unrest.

At least 300 Australian travellers have been stuck in or near the capital Noumea, with some saying they have been struggling to get food and essential medications because of the disorder.

Australia has spent the last four days pressing France to grant permission.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on social media that the flights would depart later on Tuesday.

"We've received clearance for two Australian government-assisted departure flights today for Australian and other tourists to depart New Caledonia," she said.

"DFAT is contacting registered Australians. Passengers are being prioritised based on need. We continue to work on further flights."

Australia is deploying two military transport planes for the evacuation, with both aircraft expected to land back in Australia later today.

New Zealand's government is also flying its stranded citizens out of New Caledonia, with a military aircraft departing for Noumea after 11am Australian time.

"New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days — and bringing them home has been an urgent priority for the government," New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.

"We want to acknowledge the support of relevant authorities, both in Paris and Noumea, in facilitating this flight.

"The situation in New Caledonia remains dynamic, and New Zealand officials are continuing to work with French counterparts and other partners, especially Australia, to understand what is needed to ensure the safety of our people there."

French President Emmanuel Macron will leave Paris for the riot-hit Pacific territory "as soon as this evening", a government spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

Protesters refuse to unblock roads

New Caledonia, with a population of about 270,000, has been rocked by unrest sparked by French plans to impose new rules that would give tens of thousands of non-Indigenous residents voting rights.

France has sent 1,000 armed police, troops, and national security reinforcements to its overseas territory.

The violence has left six dead and hundreds injured.

An overnight curfew, state of emergency, ban on TikTok and reinforcements have all failed to stop the unrest.

"We are maintaining our roadblocks in place," a statement by the so-called Ground Action Coordination Cell said, some of whose leaders are under house arrest on suspicion of being behind the riots.

Rioters have damaged businesses and public infrastructure across the capital.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said on Monday that "we are still a way off a return to normal".

An unresolved dispute with France

New Caledonia has been a French territory since the mid-1800s.

Almost two centuries on, its politics remain dominated by debate about whether the islands should be part of France, autonomous or independent — with opinions split roughly along ethnic lines.

Indigenous Kanaks make up about 40 per cent of the population but tend to be poorer and have fewer years of schooling than European Caledonians.

New Caledonia held the last of its three referendums on independence in late 2021.

The final referendum coincided with a wave of the Delta variant of COVID that devastated the indigenous Kanak community, and pro-independence campaigners called for a delay in the vote to let it observe traditional mourning customs.

When France refused, supporters of independence boycotted.

The parties have since been unable to agree on a path forward and France has moved to unfreeze electoral rolls, previously restricted to people who had lived in New Caledonia before 1998, and their children.

Kanak groups say the latest voting regulations would dilute the Indigenous vote.

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The huge solar storm is keeping power grid and satellite operators on edge

Geoff Brumfiel

Willem Marx

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm. Solar Dynamics Observatory hide caption

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm.

Planet Earth is getting rocked by the biggest solar storm in decades – and the potential effects have those people in charge of power grids, communications systems and satellites on edge.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm that has been visible as aurora across vast swathes of the Northern Hemisphere. So far though, NOAA has seen no reports of major damage.

The Picture Show

Photos: see the northern lights from rare, solar storm.

There has been some degradation and loss to communication systems that rely on high-frequency radio waves, NOAA told NPR, as well as some preliminary indications of irregularities in power systems.

"Simply put, the power grid operators have been busy since yesterday working to keep proper, regulated current flowing without disruption," said Shawn Dahl, service coordinator for the Boulder, Co.-based Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA.

NOAA Issues First Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Since 2005

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"Satellite operators are also busy monitoring spacecraft health due to the S1-S2 storm taking place along with the severe-extreme geomagnetic storm that continues even now," Dahl added, saying some GPS systems have struggled to lock locations and offered incorrect positions.

NOAA's GOES-16 satellite captured a flare erupting occurred around 2 p.m. EDT on May 9, 2024.

As NOAA had warned late Friday, the Earth has been experiencing a G5, or "Extreme," geomagnetic storm . It's the first G5 storm to hit the planet since 2003, when a similar event temporarily knocked out power in part of Sweden and damaged electrical transformers in South Africa.

The NOAA center predicted that this current storm could induce auroras visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama.

Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed! pic.twitter.com/qLsC8GbWus — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 10, 2024

Around the world on social media, posters put up photos of bright auroras visible in Russia , Scandinavia , the United Kingdom and continental Europe . Some reported seeing the aurora as far south as Mallorca, Spain .

The source of the solar storm is a cluster of sunspots on the sun's surface that is 17 times the diameter of the Earth. The spots are filled with tangled magnetic fields that can act as slingshots, throwing huge quantities of charged particles towards our planet. These events, known as coronal mass ejections, become more common during the peak of the Sun's 11-year solar cycle.

A powerful solar storm is bringing northern lights to unusual places

Usually, they miss the Earth, but this time, NOAA says several have headed directly toward our planet, and the agency predicted that several waves of flares will continue to slam into the Earth over the next few days.

While the storm has proven to be large, predicting the effects from such incidents can be difficult, Dahl said.

Shocking problems

The most disruptive solar storm ever recorded came in 1859. Known as the "Carrington Event," it generated shimmering auroras that were visible as far south as Mexico and Hawaii. It also fried telegraph systems throughout Europe and North America.

Stronger activity on the sun could bring more displays of the northern lights in 2024

While this geomagnetic storm will not be as strong, the world has grown more reliant on electronics and electrical systems. Depending on the orientation of the storm's magnetic field, it could induce unexpected electrical currents in long-distance power lines — those currents could cause safety systems to flip, triggering temporary power outages in some areas.

my cat just experienced the aurora borealis, one of the world's most radiant natural phenomena... and she doesn't care pic.twitter.com/Ee74FpWHFm — PJ (@kickthepj) May 10, 2024

The storm is also likely to disrupt the ionosphere, a section of Earth's atmosphere filled with charged particles. Some long-distance radio transmissions use the ionosphere to "bounce" signals around the globe, and those signals will likely be disrupted. The particles may also refract and otherwise scramble signals from the global positioning system, according to Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist with NOAA. Those effects can linger for a few days after the storm.

Like Dahl, Steenburgh said it's unclear just how bad the disruptions will be. While we are more dependent than ever on GPS, there are also more satellites in orbit. Moreover, the anomalies from the storm are constantly shifting through the ionosphere like ripples in a pool. "Outages, with any luck, should not be prolonged," Steenburgh said.

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The radiation from the storm could have other undesirable effects. At high altitudes, it could damage satellites, while at low altitudes, it's likely to increase atmospheric drag, causing some satellites to sink toward the Earth.

The changes to orbits wreak havoc, warns Tuija Pulkkinen, chair of the department of climate and space sciences at the University of Michigan. Since the last solar maximum, companies such as SpaceX have launched thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit. Those satellites will now see their orbits unexpectedly changed.

"There's a lot of companies that haven't seen these kind of space weather effects before," she says.

The International Space Station lies within Earth's magnetosphere, so its astronauts should be mostly protected, Steenburgh says.

In a statement, NASA said that astronauts would not take additional measures to protect themselves. "NASA completed a thorough analysis of recent space weather activity and determined it posed no risk to the crew aboard the International Space Station and no additional precautionary measures are needed," the agency said late Friday.

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images hide caption

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England.

While this storm will undoubtedly keep satellite operators and utilities busy over the next few days, individuals don't really need to do much to get ready.

"As far as what the general public should be doing, hopefully they're not having to do anything," Dahl said. "Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight." He advised that the largest problem could be a brief blackout, so keeping some flashlights and a radio handy might prove helpful.

I took these photos near Ranfurly in Central Otago, New Zealand. Anyone can use them please spread far and wide. :-) https://t.co/NUWpLiqY2S — Dr Andrew Dickson reform/ACC (@AndrewDickson13) May 10, 2024

And don't forget to go outside and look up, adds Steenburgh. This event's aurora is visible much further south than usual.

A faint aurora can be detected by a modern cell phone camera, he adds, so even if you can't see it with your eyes, try taking a photo of the sky.

The aurora "is really the gift from space weather," he says.

• space weather
• solar flares
• solar storm

• Travel Updates

‘Dark hours lie ahead’: Australian government issues travel warning over New Caledonia protests

New Caledonia’s international airport is closed and Australians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, as protests turn deadly.

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Australians travelling to New Caledonia are being warned to exercise a high degree of caution as political demonstrations and protests against constitutional reform erupt in the French territory.

Three people have been killed, and hundreds injured in the violent riots, a spokesperson for New Caledonia President Louis Mapou said.

The protests eruptedon Monday night in response to a vote in France’s Assemblée Nationale to allow French citizens who have been residents of New Caledonia for 10 years voting rights.

The reform, which lawmakers argued was democratically fair, was passed 351 to 153.

Protestors have argued the legislation will minimise the voting power of the indigenous Kanak people, who make up about 40 per cent of the country’s 300,000 citizens.

All three of the dead were young indigenous Kanak people. One was shot dead, local reports indicate it was by an act of alleged self-defence, and not the actions of law enforcement.

The Australian government’s Smart Traveller website increased its level of advice for the Noumea metropolitan area, advising a high degree of caution due to protests and demonstrations.

“Political demonstrations and protests are occurring and may turn violent at short notice,” the website read.

The office of the high commissioner, France’s top representative in New Caledonia, said one death was caused by gunshot wounds linked to the protests, but gave no details on the second.

Violence has also been reported in the commune of Paita.

A curfew was issued for the Noumea metropolitan area from 6pm on Tuesday until 6am on Wednesday, and the Australian government warned there was the potential for demonstrations in other locations.

The Noumea curfew also came with a ban on public gatherings, but local authorities warned that protest action had continued despite the crackdown, with authorities reporting a jail break attempt at Noumea Prison the day following.

“Essential services are impacted and flights have been cancelled,” the Smart Traveller website read.

“The La Tontouta International Airport has closed.

“Avoid demonstrations, public gatherings and roadblocks.

“Minimise movement, monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.”

The French Interior Minister has said hundreds of people and about 100 police officers had been injured.

Authorities place the arrest count at 130 since Monday.

French President Emmanuel Macron has convened a defence and national security council meeting to discuss the riots.

He was previously slated to travel to Normandy.

France’s High Commissioner of the Republic in New Caledonia Louis Le Franc warned of further bloodshed if peace could not be maintained.

“This needs to stop now. We already have one person dead, but if we don’t stop now, it will be carnage,” Mr Le France said.

“I fear for New Caledonia, dark hours lie ahead.”

On Wednesday, Anthony Albanese said Australia valued its relationship with both New Caledonia and the French State.

“We respect and support the process and the discussions under way between all parties,” the Prime Minister said.

New Caledonia’s status as a french territory has been a consistent source of political friction, but the ongoing protests represent the largest scale of unrest since the pro-independence rallies of the 1980s.

The Territory’s 1998 Noumea Accord was introduced to transition the country towards greater autonomy by providing voting rights only to the population of the time and restricting the political influence of new French immigrants.

This most recent legislation grants French expatriates greater voting power.

About 40,000 French Citizens are estimated to have emigrated to New Caledonia in the 26 years since the Noumea Accord.

As a part of the Accord, New Caledonia held three referendums to determine the country’s political future.

Each of these referendums — held in 2018, 2020 and 2021 — offered voters the choice of independence.

Self-determination was voted down in each case.

The final referendum was boycotted by pro-independence parties in 2021.

“We are closely monitoring the situation in New Caledonia. Australia values our relationship with both New Caledonia and the French State,” a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said.

“We respect and support the referendum process under the Nouméa Accord and the discussions underway.

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“We encourage all parties to work together constructively to shape New Caledonia’s institutional future.”

While New Caledonia is semi-independent, France still maintains sovereign control in regards to defence, foreign affairs, the courts, and economic policy.

France has deployed four gendarmerie squadrons, a form of french paramilitary enforcer.

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