New Delhi: The skies above Leh were illuminated by a breathtaking aurora display on Thursday, October 10, when a severe geomagnetic storm hit Earth. The rare occurrence was captured at India’s highest observatory in Hanle.
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The event was initiated by a potent coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun that arrived on Earth on Friday. The CME stemmed from an X1.8-class solar flare on October 9 and hurtled through space at speeds surpassing 1.5 million miles per hour.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has classified the geomagnetic storm as G4, which can potentially disrupt power grids and satellite operations. Such storms can make auroras visible much farther south than usual, with sightings reported as far south as Alabama and Northern California in the United States.
The geomagnetic storm results from the current period of increased solar activity, with the Sun nearing its solar maximum, which is anticipated to reach its peak in 2025. This cycle has resulted in a rise 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 the direct consequence of these interactions, displaying dazzling reds that enthralled spectators, LiveMint reported.
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
Residents and tourists alike were captivated by the celestial light display, while experts highlighted the significance of comprehending the effects of space weather on technology and infrastructure. This geomagnetic phenomenon demonstrates the dynamic nature of our Sun and its impact on life on Earth.