In a remarkable celestial display, Mongolia recently witnessed a rare auroral event that turned the sky a deep blood-red. The stunning colors, the result of a severe solar storm’s initial impact on Earth, left viewers in awe.
Traditionally, auroras, also known as the Aurora Borealis or Aurora Borealis, appear close to the poles and often appear green. However, Mongolia experienced a special aurora show that took on a striking crimson hue.
This rare phenomenon is attributed to the interaction between solar particles and oxygen at high altitudes, particularly above 241 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, where the atmosphere is particularly thin.
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The unique red shade observed is thought to be one of the rarest colors in the Northern Lights and is closely associated with periods of increased solar activity. The ongoing solar storm responsible for this phenomenon was caused by multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that occurred on November 27, 2023, with the first wave reaching Earth on November 29.
03:03The red auroras appear as a result of collisions between solar particles and oxygen molecules at high altitudes. Because oxygen density is lower at such high altitudes, these collisions occur less frequently, resulting in the emission of red light instead of the more common green light. This process is similar to the operation of neon lights, in which excited gas atoms release photons as they return to their ground state.
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Historically, red auroras have been associated with powerful geomagnetic storms, such as the 1859 Carrington Event, the most powerful solar storm ever recorded. During this event, red auroras are reported as far away as the Caribbean and southern Mexico, with skies so bright that birds begin to sing, mistaking the illuminated night for morning.
The appearance of Mongolia’s red auroras provides scientists with a unique opportunity to study the effects of low-latitude solar storms. While the spectacle is mesmerizing, it’s a reminder of the sun’s immense power and the potential impact solar weather has on our technology-dependent society.
With the solar cycle expected to peak in 2024, skywatchers can expect more beautiful aurora displays. However, few can match the intensity and rarity of Mongolia’s blood-red skies, marking a celestial event that will be remembered for its special and awe-inspiring nature.
