Earth was treated to a kaleidoscope of colours on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 as a geomagnetic storm painted the skies.
In the Southern Hemisphere, we know it as the Aurora Australis: a breathtaking display of vibrant colours that dance across the night sky.
If you were fortunate enough to witness the solar storm — in the Goulburn Valley it was only visible on the Saturday — you were part of a rare event not seen at this intensity in two decades.
With measurements reaching a level G4 storm on Friday, followed by a level G5 on Saturday, even the Bureau of Meteorology’s Space Weather Forecasting Centre issued geomagnetic storm warnings before the Aurora spectacles hit.
When we experience a G4 or G5 geomagnetic storm, it’s like getting a powerful shake from the sun, reminding us of the incredible forces at play in our solar system.
In simple terms, it’s like a strong magnetic storm that makes earth’s magnetic fields wobble.
This can lead to more serious disruptions, like widespread power outages, communication blackouts and even damage to satellites.
Get moooving and name the cow
The latest addition to Shepparton’s Moooving Art herd needs a name.
Painted by artist Christiano ‘Dery’ Theodorus, the cow was inspired by new and old Shepparton.
It features the old post office, the Dutch windmill, as well as some modern developments such as the Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) and Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), while showcasing the diversity of people in the region along with the native flora and fauna.
Born in Indonesia and local to Shepparton since 2014, Christiano’s artwork can be found on several murals across the municipality, and will now be showcased as part of the Moooving Art herd as well.
Name suggestions can be submitted via the @SheppandGV socials or by emailing digital@sheppandgv.com.au by Friday, May 31.
The Moooving Art cows are an iconic part of the Shepparton and Goulburn Valley landscape.
With more than 90 cows painted by local artists scattered throughout the municipality, the art herd is a celebration of our culturally diverse and inspiring region while paying homage to the strength of the dairy industry in Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley.
The new cow is currently located at the SAM Precinct in Wyndham St, Shepparton.