| Cycle of Solar Activity Solar storms occur periodically as the sun’s magnetic field intensifies and weakens, with a typical cycle lasting 11 years. The current solar activity cycle, predicted to peak in 2024 by the Centre of Excellence in Space Sciences India (CESSI), is causing more frequent auroras. Though, Auroras are visually stunning, heightened solar activity can disrupt satellite-based services on Earth. |
- Recent sightings of aurora in Ladakh, typically seen in far-northern regions, have validated ongoing efforts in space weather monitoring.
- These occurrences were predicted by a team of astrophysicists 48-72 hours in advance.
- The latest aurora, marked by intense red-hued rays of light.
- All-sky cameras at Hanle and Merak in Ladakh, operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, recorded the aurora throughout the night.
- Aurora sightings in Ladakh, a lower-latitude region, indicate heightened solar activity in the form of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which are associated with solar storms.
(Refer to May Month Magazine to know more)
Dig Deeper: Read about Sunspots, CME and Solar Storms.
