GS-I Geography
Why in the news?
- Recently, the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, were observed lighting up the night sky over Hanle village in Ladakh.
- Similar sightings of the northern lights were reported in various parts of the world, including the US and the UK.
- Additionally, countries like Australia and New Zealand witnessed the southern lights, also known as the aurora australis.
What are Auroras?
- About
- An aurora refers to a natural phenomenon where light displays occur in the Earth's sky, typically observed in regions near the North and South Poles.
- These displays showcase vibrant patterns of light, presenting as curtains, rays, spirals, or flickering movements across the sky.
- Commonly referred to as the northern lights (aurora borealis) in the North and the southern lights (aurora australis) in the South.
- Composition:
- Auroras are composed of gases and particles such as oxygen and nitrogen.
- When these particles collide with the Earth's atmosphere, they release energy, resulting in the emission of light.
- The colors seen in auroras vary based on the type of gas involved in the collisions and the altitude at which the collisions occur.
- Relation between Auroras and Geomagnetic Storms
- Geomagnetic storms, caused by solar phenomena like coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares, intensify auroral events.
- Coronal mass ejections involve the release of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun, while solar flares are sudden bursts of energy.
- Typically, coronal mass ejections and solar flares happen together, but they can also occur separately.
Intensity of Auroras and Solar Storm:
- Intense solar storms cause heightened solar activity, resulting in more prominent auroral exhibitions.
- During these storms, the influx of charged particles reaching the Earth's atmosphere enhances the intensity of the auroras.
- The magnitude of the solar storm and the alignment of the Earth's magnetic field influence the visibility and vividness of the auroras.
Scientific and Cultural Significance of Auroras:
- Auroras carry cultural and spiritual importance in diverse indigenous societies globally.
- Scientific studies on auroras aid in comprehending the Earth's magnetosphere, interactions between the sun and Earth, and space weather phenomena.
What are Aurora Borealis? The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, appears in the northern hemisphere, particularly in areas near the Arctic Circle.
What are Aurora Australis?
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What are geomagnetic storms: About:
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Impact
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UPSC PYQ If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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