Have you noticed an increase in stunning aurora borealis sightings lately? You’re not alone. Reports of vibrant green, purple, and pink lights dancing across the night sky are becoming more frequent, even in unexpected locations.
So, what’s causing the Northern Lights to become more widespread? Let’s dive into the science behind this captivating phenomenon.
The Solar Cycle: The Driving Force
The primary culprit behind the increased aurora activity is the solar cycle. This is a roughly 11-year cycle where the Sun’s magnetic activity waxes and wanes. During periods of high solar activity, known as solar maximum, the Sun releases more energetic particles and magnetic storms known as a CME. CME stands for Coronal Mass Ejection. It’s a massive burst of plasma and magnetic field that is ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona. These eruptions are often associated with solar flares, but they can also occur independently. When a CME hits the Earth’s magnetic field, it can cause a geomagnetic storm and produce stunning auroras as they hit the Earth’s atmosphere.
Geomagnetic Storms: The Catalyst
During these geomagnetic storms, the particles are funnelled towards the poles, where they collide with the Earth’s atmosphere. This collision excites the atmospheric gases, causing them to emit light in a dazzling display of colours.
Expanding Aurora Zones
As solar activity increases, the aurora zones, typically confined to high latitudes near the poles, can expand. This means that people in more southerly regions have a higher chance of witnessing the aurora borealis.
Why Now?
We are currently approaching the solar maximum of the current solar cycle. This peak period is expected to last for a few years, bringing with it more frequent and intense geomagnetic storms. As a result, we can anticipate more spectacular aurora displays around the globe.
So, keep your eyes peeled and be ready to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking light shows! With the solar cycle at its peak, there’s never been a better time to experience the magic of the aurora borealis
Keep your eye on our Social Media too – as we will always try to give you the heads up when there are high chances of Aurora!
