The breathtaking phenomenon of auroras was recently observed at India’s highest observatory in Hanle, Ladakh, offering a rare glimpse of this mesmerizing light display in the region.
What Are Auroras?
Auroras are multicolored lights that appear in the upper atmosphere (ionosphere), usually forming shimmering curtains of green, red, and violet hues. While they are most commonly seen in high-latitude regions, such as near the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, sightings at mid-latitudes are rare, and they are almost never visible near the equator.
Aurora Borealis: Seen in the Northern Hemisphere
Aurora Australis: Observed in the Southern Hemisphere
What Causes Auroras?
Auroras occur due to the interaction of solar winds—streams of charged particles from the Sun—with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in Earth’s atmosphere. As these particles collide with the gases, they emit light, creating the beautiful display. The colors of the aurora vary depending on the type of gas involved and the altitude at which the interaction occurs.
This stunning phenomenon also indicates that Earth is electrically connected to the Sun, as solar winds influence the planet's magnetic field.
A Rare Sight in Ladakh
The recent sighting of auroras at Hanle is significant because such events are typically limited to regions closer to the poles. The occurrence reflects heightened solar activity, contributing to an increase in auroral displays even at lower latitudes.
The Hanle observatory, already known for its clear skies and high-altitude location, continues to be an important center for astronomical research in India, now also capturing rare natural phenomena like auroras.
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