Solar storms recently created a breathtaking display of colorful lights known as the northern lights or aurora borealis in North America and Europe. In early November 2023, satellite observations from the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite captured the vibrant dance of pink and green lights in western Canada and Glasgow, Montana.
The mesmerizing aurora was caused by multiple coronal mass ejections, which are powerful expulsions of magnetized plasma from the Sun’s corona. These ejections collided with Earth’s upper atmosphere, resulting in a strong geomagnetic storm and the stunning light show.
Prior observations from space have also revealed the occurrence of another aurora, triggered by a coronal hole rotating towards Earth. An astronaut aboard the International Space Station captured a photo of this incredible phenomenon.
For those interested in studying auroras, there is an opportunity to participate in aurora citizen science through the Aurorasaurus project. This project tracks auroras worldwide and allows citizen scientists to report their sightings, contributing valuable data for space weather analysis.
The recent images captured by satellite and the involvement of citizen scientists in the Aurorasaurus project underscore both the beauty and scientific significance of studying auroras. These natural wonders offer insights into solar activity and serve as a reminder of the intricate relationship between the Sun and Earth.
As we continue to unlock the secrets of the universe, the study of auroras provides a gateway to understanding complex phenomena occurring in our cosmic neighborhood. With each observation and data contribution, researchers inch closer to unraveling the mysteries of the solar system and beyond.
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