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In Pics: Mongolian Sky Takes On A Mesmerising Crimson Hue; Here’s The Science Behind The Red Sky

Tooba Shaikh
Mongolian sky red

Auroras are a phantasmagorical phenomenon as it is. They seem straight out of some fantastical and magical realm. Stunning as they are, they usually have green or blue hues. Recently, this rare occurrence was spotted in Mongolia. What made this sighting even more wondrous was the fact that the Aurora was red in colour! Locals were mesmerised as this natural phenomenon painted the Mongolian sky deep red. Take a look at the pictures below!

Mongolian Sky Turns Red And Mesmerises Onlookers

Mongolia recently experienced one of the rarest celestial phenomena on Earth. A red Aurora Borealis! Pictures of crimson skies in Mongolia have surfaced on the Internet. Many people are sharing spellbinding pictures of a dark night painted red by the northern lights. Such a phenomenon usually takes place closer to the poles. Auroras are linked to intense solar storms.

This rare occurrence has provided scientists with the opportunity to study such storms in lower latitudes. These storms, as per the India Today article, also serve as a reminder of how powerful the sun really is and how solar weather can impact our society. Its impact would be amplified by how technologically dependent our society is becoming day by day.

Also Read: Pilot Captured A Stunning Red & Green Aurora Unfolding Above The Clouds Making Netizens Go ‘Wow!’

Here’s The Science Behind The Phenomenon

Surely, you may be wondering what the science behind this phenomenon is. Well, according to an article which was recently published by India Today, red auroras result from solar particles reacting to oxygen molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. As per the article, on November 27, multiple coronal mass ejections or CMEs from the Sun took place.

These ejections reached Earth on November 29. When these solar particles collided with the oxygen, a red aurora was born which made for a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for all those who were lucky enough to witness it. Oxygen at high altitudes is scarce. This means that there aren’t as many collisions. Hence, it results in the emission of red light instead of green or blue.

This isn’t the first time in history that a red aurora occurred. It is rare but this phenomenon has occurred before. In 1859, this celestial event happened at such a great scale that red auroras were spotted in the Caribbean as well as Mexico. When this happened, the red hue was so bright that the birds in the geographical area mistook the crimson sky for morning and began singing.

As per the India Today article, more such phenomena can be expected in the coming year as the solar cycle is predicted to reach its peak in 2024.

Also Read: Good News, USA! Now, You Can Watch The Stunning Aurora Borealis From These 17 States Next Week

Would you like to witness the Aurora Borealis one day? Do you know anyone who got to witness this red sky in Mongolia in person? Let us know in the comments section below!

Cover Image Credits: @eebileg/X (Formerly, Twitter)

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