Auroras : Rare Phenomenon Captured
The Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) above Mount Saraswati captured a rare phenomenon as a geomagnetic storm struck Earth’s magnetic field, creating unique auroras.
- The auroras are normally seen at higher altitudes in parts of Alaska, Norway, and other countries.
- This was the first time that the aurora was captured on camera in India by the Indian Astronomical Observatory.
- The 360-degree camera atop the IAO in Ladakh Hanle captured the mysterious phenomenon, which is triggered by an interaction between the plasma particles hurled by the Sun and Earth’s magnetic field.
- Auroras are formed when The sun is ejecting charged particles from its corona, creating solar wind. When that wind slams into Earth’s ionosphere, the aurora is born.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the phenomenon is called the northern lights (aurora borealis), while in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s called the southern lights (aurora australis).
- The hemispheric asymmetry of the aurora is due in part to the sun’s magnetic field interfering with Earth’s magnetic field.
