On May 11, 2024, a rare stable auroral red arc was observed in the skies over Ladakh at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve. This remarkable event was triggered by intense solar storms and formed part of a broader occurrence of auroras across the northern hemisphere, linked to a series of strong solar flares originating from the sunspot AR13664.
A stable auroral red arc (SAR) is a unique type of aurora that manifests as a steady red glow along the horizon. Unlike typical auroras, which are dynamic and constantly in motion, a SAR maintains a consistent appearance. This phenomenon is caused by the heating of the atmosphere due to electric currents that flow between Earth and outer space, which are enhanced during geomagnetic disturbances associated with solar storms.
Ladakh's geographic location, situated far south of the usual aurora viewing regions near the poles, makes the sighting of any aurora particularly rare. The appearance of a SAR in Ladakh is even more extraordinary and is typically only possible during intense solar magnetic storms that significantly disrupt Earth's geomagnetic field.
The auroral event in Ladakh was triggered by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, specifically from sunspot AR13664. These CMEs consist of large expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields that travel towards Earth at high velocities. Upon interacting with Earth's magnetic field, they lead to geomagnetic storms, which enhance electric currents in the atmosphere, resulting in phenomena like the SAR.
Intense solar storms can have significant implications, including disruptions to satellite operations and power grids. For instance, previous geomagnetic storms have caused power outages and damaged electrical infrastructure across various regions. The current series of storms has been noted for its severity, with potential impacts expected to be more pronounced than those observed in the last two decades.
Organizations such as the Centre of Excellence in Space Sciences in India (CESSI) and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are at the forefront of monitoring solar activity and geomagnetic conditions. These institutions utilize satellites and ground-based observatories to track solar flares, sunspots, and CMEs, thereby predicting and preparing for possible impacts on Earth.
This rare sighting in Ladakh underscores the dynamic and interconnected nature of Earth's atmospheric and space weather systems. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of solar activity and its potential effects on our planet.
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