JUST IN: Aurora Australis Discovered in Jannali - Experts Confirm It’s “Just the Servo, But Still Better Than Nothing”.

Finn Seabrook | Local Correspondent | Sutherland Shire Gazette

21 January 2026

JANNALI - As Sydneysiders stayed up into the early hours squinting at cloud cover, refreshing Bureau of Meteorology updates on the predicted Aurora Australis and whispering “can you see it now?”, locals in Jannali quietly stumbled upon a far more reliable phenomenon: Aurora Metropolis-Petrolis.

The event, visible nightly at the Jannali Metro petrol station, features a dazzling spectrum of greens, blues and purples cast confidently across the forecourt — no solar storms, geomagnetic activity or emotional investment required.

Experts were quick to weigh in.

“Technically, it’s just high-grade LED canopy lighting,” said one astronomy lecturer, visibly tired. “But psychologically? It delivers everything people were hoping the real aurora would.”

Witnesses report drivers pulling in “just for fuel” before lingering longer than necessary, staring thoughtfully at the glow while pretending to check tyre pressure. Several admitted it was the most closure they’d felt all night.

“I stayed up until 1:40am and saw absolutely nothing over the water,” said one disappointed Cronulla resident. “This? This would’ve done it for me.”

Unlike the elusive natural phenomenon, Aurora Metropolis-Petrolis boasts consistent viewing hours, full cloud immunity, ample parking and the added bonus of snacks. Early comparisons suggest it outperformed the real aurora across key metrics including visibility, reliability and not making people feel foolish the next morning.

While purists insist it “doesn’t count,” locals disagree.

“Look, I know it’s not space,” said one Jannali woman. “But it’s light. It’s colourful. And it showed up when it said it would.”

The Bureau of Meteorology declined to comment on the discovery, though sources confirm they are “aware of the servo.”

As one observer summed it up: “You can chase nature all night — or you can pull in, fill up, and get on with your life.”

More as the glow continues.