h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi Bran,

Do you keep up with, or take an interest in the auroras down your way? I came across some info on the Internet which said that the year 2001 is the best time for people nearer the equator to view them and assumed that people near the southern pole would be getting the best views.

When are the best/nicest times of the year to visit Tasmania by the way?

Hi Cynthia

Nice to hear from you.

I'm must confess to not being sure about Aurora Australis sightings ... I have been living in Tasmania for four and a half years but haven't seen any. Though, my fellow Taswegian researcher Walter of Colne (who you can find through fora on my page such as "Olympic Games") probably has a better idea. He has lived here for longer. He told me that when we had a solar eclipse a couple of months ago that he saw them. So, I just might not be looking at the right times.

As for when to visit ... generally, Mainland Australians assume that Tassie is cold and tend to come in Summer (i.e. December-February). It is more temperate than cold ... so other times of the year are also great. March-April is my favourite, as the nights are a little cooler and you get some of the Autumn colours, and the weather is usually very pleasant. Winter is also nice for those that like log fires and snuggling up in bed on cold mornings. Basically, I reckon that there are advantages to all time of the year, which is no help for a recommendation (!) In terms of things on to do and see, Summer is best ... we have a great food, wine and entertainment festival on between Christmas and New Year in Hobart called the Taste of Tasmania. Excellent food and good fun, AND you get to see the end of the annual Sydney-Hobart yacht race.

Hope this helps. As I said, Walter is a mine of information as well, and loves living here even more than I do, so can wax lyrical about the place with only minimal prompting.

All the best
Bran.

Gooday Bran old cobber,

I saw the Aurora Australis during a LUNAR eclipse, not a solar eclipse. Think about it! How could you mislead Cynthia so? And if you are reading this Cynthia, Katsy's h2g2 page is well worth a peek, as is Wazungu's. Bran, you really must get on with preparing that paper you have invited me to listen to the week after next. Take care,

Walter.

Yes ... alright smarty pants! Lunar not solar.

AND the paper is already written so there!

On the Aurora note ... where were you when you saw them, at home or some other locale?

Tinkerty-tonk
Bran.

Hello Bran, hello Walter,

I'm hoping to visit Australia next year and so I'm looking into how I can make the most of the seasons.

Should I find out anymore about the auroras, I'll get back to you. I'll also visit Katsy's and Wazungu's pages.

Thanks for the advice and pointers.
Cynthia

Hi Cynthia

For more info about Tasmania, you might like to have a look at:

http://www.tas.gov.au

Cheers
Bran.