The aurora australis will be on display for mid to southern parts of Australia tonight thanks to a severe geomagnetic storm impacting Earth.

The Bureau of Meteorology's Space Weather Forecasting Centre has issued an "aurora watch" for the coming hours with visibility possible.

Swinburne Space Technology and Industry Institute Dr Rebecca Allen said people as far east as Sydney and as far west as Perth will be able to witness the phenomenon from sunset about 8pm AEST.

"You would potentially have a bit better of a chance seeing it further on the east coast versus the west coast, because of just potentially when the activity is peaking," she said.

Allen said the best way to see the auroras would be at places with a clear view of the horizon, like a beach or bay.

"It's going to be a bit

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