According to Stanzin Norla, an engineer at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, “We were fortunate to capture the beauty of the aurora on our all-sky camera during regular telescope observations.” Norla shared stunning images of the celestial display, revealing vibrant red hues gracing the horizon, transforming into a captivating pinkish hue.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reported that the extreme geomagnetic storm responsible for the aurora continues to persist, offering potential for further sightings through Sunday. The Northern Lights were visible across vast regions of the United States, and favorable weather conditions may allow for their reappearance tonight.
Photographer Vincent Ledvina from Alaska captured and shared an image, showcasing the aurora’s magnificent presence in India. Earlier on Saturday, Wageesh Mishra, assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, explained that four powerful CMEs from the Sun reached Earth on May 10-11, resulting in solar storms that triggered one of the strongest geomagnetic storms in recent history.
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center issued a warning on April 21, forecasting a severe (G4) Geomagnetic storm, classified as G4 on NOAA’s scale. Despite Ladakh’s mid-latitude location, the aurora was visible in the region on the night of April 22-23, 2023, attributed to a coronal mass ejection on April 21, which triggered a G-4 class geomagnetic storm on Earth.
This extraordinary celestial event serves as a testament to the wonders of our universe, showcasing the beauty and power of natural phenomena that continue to captivate and inspire.
