NORTHERN LIGHTS AND
SOLAR STORM - SCI & TECH
News: Strong solar storm hits Earth,
could disrupt communications and produce northern lights in U.S.
What's in the news?
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An exceptionally powerful solar storm struck Earth
on May 10th, dazzling displays of northern lights and auroras illuminated the
night sky in several countries, causing disruptions to power and
communications.
Northern Lights:
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The occurrence of a severe solar storm is the result of a complex interplay of
processes on the sun's surface.
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As nuclear reactions take place within the sun, it
regularly releases material into space in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
Solar Winds and Sun’s
Magnetic Field:
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These events can be triggered by disturbances in
the sun's magnetic field or by the buildup of energy in certain regions of the
solar atmosphere.
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At any given moment, the sun emits charged
particles from its corona, creating the solar wind.
Auroras:
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When the solar
wind interacts with Earth's ionosphere, the aurora is born.
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In the Northern Hemisphere, it's called the
northern lights (aurora borealis),
while in the Southern Hemisphere, it's known as the southern lights (aurora australis).
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These charged particles are directed towards
Earth's poles by our planet's magnetic field, causing the atmosphere to
fluoresce.
Aurora Composition:
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The vibrant
colors of the auroras are dictated by the chemical composition of Earth's
atmosphere.
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Each type of atom or molecule emits its own unique
set of colors when absorbing and radiating energy.
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For instance, nitrogen
molecules produce red hues, while oxygen molecules create green ones.
Insights from Auroras:
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Auroras provide valuable insights into Earth's
upper atmosphere, including details about its density, composition, flow
speeds, and electrical currents.
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These observations offer valuable information about
Earth's magnetic field and its dynamic interactions with space.
Auroras on Other
Planets:
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Auroras are not unique to Earth, they can be found
on other planets with magnetic fields
and atmospheres, although they vary compared to Earth's auroras.
Solar Cycle Influence on
Auroras:
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The intensity and frequency of auroras are
influenced by the solar cycle, which spans roughly 11 years.
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During periods of heightened solar activity, such
as solar maximum, auroras are brighter and more frequent.
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We are currently approaching solar maximum,
predicted to peak between early 2024 and late 2025.