Auroras are arguably the closest thing we see to magic in nature. This fantastical phenomenon has mesmerised people for ages and many end up chasing it in different parts of the world just to get to experience it once more. These astronomical marvels are common in Finland and other such Scandinavian countries but not in India. However, recently, Ladakh skies turned crimson from the hues of an Aurora after a solar storm.
Crimson-Hued Aurora Illuminates Ladakh Night Sky
Aurora has grown stronger over the past three hours here in Ladakh, India. I am just here on vacation, but I guess now I am aurora chasing near the geomagnetic equator in the Himalayas. Solar max is wild. pic.twitter.com/tUprpEg4xJ
— Vincent Ledvina (@Vincent_Ledvina) May 10, 2024
According to an article which was recently published by the Hindustan Times or HT, this particular aurora had a specific cause. It was caused by an extreme solar storm that hit the Earth. As per Vincent Ledvina, who is a scientist and an aurora enthusiast, this was the strongest geomagnetic storm in the last 20 years.
Stable Auroral Red Arcs (SAR arcs) captured from Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, UT Ladakh on 11.05.24 at 0100 hrs. A very rare phenomenon for Mid Latitude like Hanle. Eta Aquarid meteor shower added more beauty to the Aurora, visible in the top right of the photo. pic.twitter.com/RNp7J8wh2q
— stanzin norla (@snorl) May 11, 2024
Ledvina also took to Instagram and shared a stunning view of the red-hued blue sky with the Himalayas in the backdrop. The red hue was from the aurora that he was lucky enough to witness and capture.
A few others who witnessed the phenomenon also shared pictures on X (formerly known as Twitter). This phenomenon, which is officially known as the Stable Aurora Red Arcs or SAR arcs, is known to be exceedingly rare.
The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Shared Pictures Of The Aurora
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The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve also shared pictures of the phenomenon that soon went viral. Many people were blown away by the stunning visuals of the aurora. In addition to India, the aurora was also visible in other places.
Many people tried to see the aurora from other parts of the world. Someone from Italy said that they tried to see it but went to bed early so they couldn’t. Thanks to the Internet, however, they can now see pics on the Internet.
Another person on social media dubbed the phenomenon extraordinarily beautiful and we cannot disagree even in the slightest.
Have you ever been lucky enough to witness this phantasmagorical phenomenon with your own eyes? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @snorl/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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