For the first time ever, a commercial flight flew over the Antarctic Circle from New Zealand to catch the dazzling array of lights known as the Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights. The organizer of this Southern Lights event is now planning for more flights due to an overwhelming response.

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According to Ian Griffin of the Otago Museum in Dunedin, New Zealand, we have traveled two thirds into the South Pole and witnesses the most incredible display of Southern Lights and went home Friday just in time for breakfast. The museum director is also an astronomer where he has already been aboard a NASA observatory plane, inspiring him to revisit the Southern Lights and share this remarkable, once in a lifetime experience.

This incredible display of lights are made of emerald hues that are moving like a sparkling, enchanted river in the skies. In order to fully observe and enjoy this show, this flight was scheduled during the equinox, as the plane traveled 60 degrees towards the southern latitude for around five hours.

This chartered flight was sold out within five days. The Boeing 767 is not completely occupied but only 134 window and adjacent seats are available and sold to ensure maximum views. The flight costs US $2,800 for economy seats and $5,600 for business class.

The Aurora Australis is a rare event that can only be seen in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly the Antarctic Circle. On the other hand, the Aurora Borealis is observed in the Northern Hemisphere in the Arctic Circle.

When Earth's magnetic field gets bombarded by electrically charged solar particles from solar winds or solar energy, this phenomenon produces the Aurora Australis and the Aurora Borealis. However, the Southern Lights is lesser known and can be only seen from New Zealand. In order to catch these radiant display of dancing lights, it is best to known the best time, weather conditions and location for optimal viewing.