Mapping
Source: IE
Context: On November 5, 2023, the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) at Hanle and Merak in Ladakh captured striking images of an intense red-colored aurora.
- The IAO, operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), observed a Stable Auroral Arc (SAR), an unusual red aurora typically not seen at lower latitudes.
What are Auroras and how are they formed?
They are beautiful natural light displays typically seen at high latitudes (Polar regions). They are formed when charged particles from the sun, mainly electrons and protons, interact with the Earth’s magnetosphere and atmosphere. As these charged particles collide with atmospheric gases, such as oxygen and nitrogen, they emit light, creating the vibrant colours characteristic of auroras (commonly Green and Red).
- Northern lights (Aurora borealis) and southern lights (Aurora australis) are the main auroras. They are seen in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere, respectively
Why aurora is being formed in Ladakh though typically it forms in the polar region?
The occurrence of auroras in regions like Ladakh, which are not near the polar regions, can be attributed to a phenomenon called geomagnetic storms and Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) — massive ejections of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s lower atmosphere. While auroras are most commonly associated with polar regions, geomagnetic storms can extend the auroral oval (the area where auroras are usually observed) to lower latitudes.
Hanle is significant as the centre of India’s only designated Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, attracting astro-tourists with its exceptionally dark skies. Merak is another Ladakh-based location, on the banks of Pangong Tso, known as the proposed site for the National Large Solar Telescope.
