Ladakh Skies Glow Red: Scientists Capture Rare Auroral Display at Hanle Observatory

• Ladakh's Hanle observatory recorded a rare deep red auroral display on January 19-20, the sixth such event this solar cycle.
• The aurora was caused by a strong G4-level geomagnetic storm, triggered by a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the sun.
• CMEs are plasma and magnetic fields ejected from the sun, which can cause geomagnetic storms upon hitting Earth.
• The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru explained the storm's intensity and its rapid arrival due to a coronal hole.
• This event highlights the importance of preserving the dark skies at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve for astronomical observations.

Why It Matters: Ladakh's Hanle observatory captured a rare, strong auroral display, emphasizing solar activity's impact on Earth.