Particles from the sun’s eruptions are heading towards Earth, causing impressive auroras in the northern and southern skies.
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On Monday night, the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, may be visible in the US as far south as the Midwest. This natural phenomenon, usually observed in Northern Europe, could also be seen in Northern Britain.
The southern lights, also known as aurora australis, can potentially be seen in southern Australia, spanning from Victoria to Western Australia.
The dazzling display will occur on the evening of a penumbral lunar eclipse, making it viewable from all locations across the globe.
On Monday, Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology’s space weather forecasting centre released an alert for an aurora, stating that a strong solar storm was currently taking place and the aurora australis may be visible.
Severe weather events are the result of coronal mass ejections, which occur when large amounts of plasma are suddenly released from the sun’s outer layer. These particles travel towards our planet, producing an incredible show of lights as they interact with Earth’s magnetic field.
Australia experienced a severe storm with a Kaus Index rating of 6, which measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from one to eight. As a result, it is possible to see auroras in Tasmania, along the coast of Victoria, and even on the south-west coast of Western Australia.
The two variations of aurora are frequently observed near the magnetic poles, which are typically found in northern Canada and the Antarctica coast. However, it’s important to note that magnetic poles can shift over time and are distinct from the geographic poles.
As the storm intensifies, the auroras are visible at greater distances from the Earth’s poles.
Intense storms have the potential to disrupt both power grids and satellite systems, affecting crucial services such as navigation, surveillance, and communication. Additionally, the radiation from these storms can pose a danger to astronauts and individuals traveling in high-altitude aircraft.
A representative from the Bureau of Meteorology stated that an intense space disturbance has the potential to affect technology and important infrastructure assets on Earth and in the nearby space environment.
The BoM recommends that individuals who wish to witness the aurora australis should seek out a dark location, such as a beach or an unobstructed hill with a clear view towards the south. Optimal conditions include a dark, moonless sky free from clouds and city lights, with the most favorable viewing window being between 10pm and 2am.
In the past year, there were accounts of sparkling evening skies observed in Busselton, WA, as well as in Ballarat and Canberra.
According to astronomer Dr. Stuart Ryder from Macquarie University, the solar cycle that lasts for 11 years is probably reaching its highest point this year.
He explained that there is a transition from a peaceful state with minimal sunspots to an intense phase approximately five to six years later, during which there is a high number of sunspots.
“It is probable that the sun will produce large bursts of energy, emitting vast amounts of charged particles in various colors such as green, red, blue, yellow, and even purple, according to people’s reports.”
As the flare increases in intensity and magnitude, there is a higher likelihood that those residing near the equator will have the opportunity to witness it.
The spokesperson for the BoM stated that the current cycle initiated in 2019.
According to a spokesperson, the initial forecast was that the current solar cycle would reach its maximum in 2025. However, new research suggests that this cycle may peak sooner, possibly in 2024.
This suggests that there will be an increase in solar activity in the coming years, although significant space weather can also occur at different points in the cycle.
The moon will be dimmed by the Earth’s shadow around 7pm in Sydney and 7.30pm in Melbourne later tonight.
The upcoming eclipse can be observed in various regions, such as Europe, North and South America, and certain areas of Asia and Africa. Information for those interested in viewing it can be found on timeanddate.com.
Ryder stated that the eclipse will have reached its halfway point once the moon rises above the horizon. He explained that even at this point, the moon will not fully pass through the Earth’s shadow, as it will be in its full phase and only the upper portion may appear slightly darker due to its deeper placement within the shadow.
“Subsequently, the moon will emerge from the overshadowing and return to its full luminosity… this unfortunate situation may hinder the possibility of witnessing the aurora.”
Source: theguardian.com
