On 11, May, 2024, a powerful Solar storm hit New Zealand. This storm was caused by material being thrown into the atmosphere from a giant spot on the sun, which is 17 times the diameter of our planet.  The storm created vivid, colorful skied around the world, including in New Zealand.

Transpower, New Zealand's electricity transmission company, issued a grid emergency notice due to a 'geomagnetic induced current event' which resulted in multiple lower South Island circuits being temporarily removed. However, they managed to restore the circuits it took out of action over the weekend.

The storm was expected to peak on Saturday night. While most solar storms don't cause much impact, this was an unsuaully strong event. It had the potential affect communications, GPS, satellite navigation, and power grids.

Despite the potential disruptions, the solar storm resulted in a stunning display of the Aurora Australis lighting up New Zealand's skies.