The skies above Leh lit up with a stunning display of aurora borealis on Thursday (October 10) as a powerful geomagnetic storm hit Earth. The rare occurrence was captured at India’s highest observatory in Hanla.
The event was initiated by a massive coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun that arrived at Earth on Friday. The CME originated from the X1.8 solar flare on October 9 and hurtled through space at speeds exceeding 1.5 million miles per hour.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) classified the geomagnetic storm as a G4, signaling severe conditions that could potentially disrupt power grids and satellite traffic.
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Such storms can make the auroras visible much further south than usual, with sightings reported as far south as Alabama and northern California in the United States.
Rare Auroras borealis in Ladakh
In Leh, the brilliant colors of the aurora borealis created a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of the night sky.
The geomagnetic storm is the result of the current period of increased solar activity as the Sun approaches its solar maximum, which is expected to peak in 2025.
We are seeing the red auroral emission at #Hanle in #Ladakh right now, due to an ongoing intense geomagnetic storm ‘cos of a Coronal Mass Ejection #CME that hit Earth earlier!@IndiaDST @asipoec @fiddlingstars @dorje1974 @cessi_iiserkol @Indus_SolPhy @PrinSciAdvOff @karandi65 pic.twitter.com/dF5f0EAyMV
— IIAstrophysics (@IIABengaluru) October 10, 2024
This cycle results in an increase in solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which cause auroras when charged particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field.
The auroras seen in Leh were a direct result of these interactions and displayed a dazzling red that mesmerized onlookers.
While the visual spectacle was breathtaking, scientists warned of potential disruption due to the storm.
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High frequency radio communications are already disrupted and there are concerns about the possible impact on satellite navigation systems. Energy companies and aviation authorities have been advised to monitor conditions closely to mitigate any negative impacts.
Residents and tourists alike were mesmerized by the celestial light display, while experts emphasized the importance of understanding the effects of space weather on technology and infrastructure. This geomagnetic phenomenon demonstrates the dynamic nature of our Sun and its influence on life on Earth.
