Aurora Borealis - A Magnificent Vision Of Northern Lights In India

 

 The aurora borealis was visible from Ladakh at 34-36°N, an incredibly rare sight at such low latitudes.

The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern and Southern Lights, was visible in India's Ladakh on 11 May, according to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, which captured the spectacular images on camera for the first time. According to the IAO, the aurora borealis is rare in India.

      

What Causes This Phenomenon?

        The Aurora Borealis, often referred to as the Northern Lights, is one of nature's most captivating and enchanting displays. This mesmerizing phenomenon has intrigued and fascinated humans for centuries, captivating observers with its dazzling array of colors streaking across the night sky. While its beauty is undeniable, the scientific explanation behind the Aurora Borealis reveals a fascinating interplay between the Sun, Earth's magnetic field, and the gases in our atmosphere.

        It is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon caused by interactions between charged particles from the sun and the Earth's Magnetosphere. When the sun emits a burst of energetic particles during solar flares or coronal mass ejections, some of these particles travel toward Earth.

        As these charged particles approach the Earth, they are guided by the planet's magnetic field towards the polar regions. When they collide with gas molecules in the Earth's atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen, they transfer energy to these molecules. This energy is then released in the form of light, creating the colorful displays we see in the night sky.

 The Colour Symphony Of Aurora Borealis:

       

       The most common color seen in the Aurora Borealis is green, which is produced when charged particles collide with oxygen at lower altitudes, around 100 to 300 kilometers above the Earth's surface. At higher altitudes, above 300 kilometers, oxygen emits red light, adding a vibrant crimson hue to the auroras. 

           The intensity and distribution of these colors vary depending on factors such as the altitude of the collisions, the type of gases involved, and the strength of the solar wind. Together, these colors form a mesmerizing symphony of light that captivates observers and reminds us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

 How To Increase The Chances Of Witnessing This Sky Canvas                                                                                                        

1.Check Solar Activity: 

Keep an eye on solar activity forecasts, particularly for solar storms or heightened solar wind activity. Websites and apps dedicated to aurora forecasts can provide valuable information about the likelihood of auroras appearing in Ladakh.

2.Find Dark, Clear Skies: 

Head away from light pollution to locations with minimal artificial light. Ladakh's remote and sparsely populated areas, away from urban centers like Leh, offer clearer skies and better visibility for stargazing and aurora watching.

3.Choose Elevated Viewing Points: 

Look for elevated locations with unobstructed views of the northern horizon, as auroras typically appear in the northern sky. Consider vantage points like hilltops or open fields for the best viewing experience.

 

https://x.com/IIABengaluru/status/1652259782085210113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1652259782085210113%7Ctwgr%5Ec44f6c741c8353cae422366836e7472c4e114d48%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-33489774453690719273.ampproject.net%2F2405160547000%2Fframe.html 

Where Else The Aurora Was Seen:

  Russia, Australia, Germany and Tasmania also witnessed the rare phenomenon. In Russia, the aurora borealis was seen illuminating the night skies, while the aurora borealis was visible in the northern regions of Germany. Similarly, in Australia's southern region Tasmania, people were seen capture stunning images of the aurora australis.