The geomagnetic storm, caused by powerful bursts of energy from the sun, also postponed the launch of two Mars-bound Nasa spacecraft in the US • Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

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Skywatchers enjoyed a stunning treat on Wednesday night, with the southern lights visible across large parts of Australia and New Zealand.

The aurora australis that lit up the sky resulted from what has been dubbed a “cannibal” solar storm.

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