Recently, people in places like Ireland, United States and Switzerland people were treated to the Northern Lights, normally seen in Arctic regions.
This wonder showed up unexpectedly this year, an incredible event, scientifically known as Aurora Borealis happens when particles from the sun hit Earth's atmosphere, creating beautiful lights in the sky. Usually, you'd see these lights in countries like Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. But this time, they appeared in Ireland and even in parts of the United States and the United Kingdom, where they're not usually seen.
The science behind Aurora Borealis:
The Northern Lights appear because particles from the sun, carried by solar wind then they meet Earth's magnetic field. As they travel towards the poles, they crash into gases in the atmosphere, causing the vast colorful spectrum of light we call the Aurora Borealis. The colors and brightness can change depending on how high up they collide and what kinds of gases are involved.
- People in quiet areas with clear skies got to see something truly special, adding a magical glow to the already beautiful landscapes.
When will we experience it next?
Since solar activity has been busier than scientists expected, there may be more chances to see the lights this year leading up to peak activity in summer 2025. When this divine event happens again, the best hours to view are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. For the best views, the agency advises traveling as close to the poles as possible, avoiding city lights, monitoring weather forecasts for prime viewing conditions and finding a position on a vantage point like a hilltop.
References:
Johnson, A. (2024, May 16). Northern Lights 2024: Here's when you may see the next aurora borealis. Forbes. Retrieved August 7, 2024, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2024/05/16/northern-lights-2024-heres-when-you-may-see-the-next-aurora-borealis/
Kyurkchiev, V. (n.d.). Silhouette of trees near aurora borealis at night [Photograph]. Unsplash. Retrieved August 7, 2024, from https://unsplash.com/photos/silhouette-of-trees-near-aurora-borealis-at-night-62V7ntlKgL8
-Authored by: Venica Chawla from The Eunolia.
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