Northern lights in Sutherland tonight

The SAAO Sutherland site sits at 1798 m on the Roggeveld Plateau in the Karoo. It is operated by the South African Astronomical Observatory, a national facility. The site hosts the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) - the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere. The high altitude, low humidity, and minimal light pollution (Bortle 1-2) make this one of the best astronomical sites on Earth. The SAAO runs public nights and tours. During major geomagnetic storms, the site gives an exceptional aurora australis viewing position.

A remote national park in the Great Karoo, about 100 km northwest of Sutherland. The flat semi-desert landscape gives 360-degree sky access with zero light pollution. The park has limited facilities and rough access roads but gives some of the darkest skies in Africa. At 1000-1200 m elevation and hundreds of kilometres from any city, Bortle 1 conditions are achievable. The park is designated as a potential Dark Sky Reserve. During extreme geomagnetic storms, aurora australis extending to the south and southeast horizon would be visible from here.

The town of Sutherland itself (population ~2800) has minimal light pollution and the surrounding Roggeveld Plateau is flat and open. Driving 2-5 km south of town on the R354 gives dark sky positions with south-facing horizon across the Karoo. At 1450 m elevation and with no significant settlements for 60 km in any direction, Sutherland's immediate surroundings give usable aurora conditions without travelling to the SAAO site.