Govind Tekale
Recent increases in solar activity have led to a surge in northern lights sightings, captivating skywatchers across the northern latitudes.
PHOTO SOURCE: GOOGLE
Auroras occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth's atmosphere, primarily during coronal mass ejections and solar flares.
NOAA provides crucial forecasting tools for aurora enthusiasts, such as the Aurora Viewline and the 30-Minute Aurora Forecast.
Prime U.S. aurora viewing locations include Alaska, the northern Pacific Northwest, and the Great Lakes region, typically above the 45th parallel.
The best time for aurora viewing is usually between 10 PM and 2 AM, although intense auroras can sometimes be seen earlier in the evening or later in the morning.
Global hotspots for aurora tourism include Alaska, Canada’s Yellowknife, Tromsø in Norway, and Reykjavik in Iceland.
Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald of NASA links increased auroral activity to the Sun’s heightened solar activity phase in its 11-year cycle.
A 2023 study in Nature Communications provided new insights into the formation of pulsating auroras.
Aurora tourism is projected to grow significantly, though concerns remain about environmental impacts in ecologically sensitive areas.
Social media platforms like Instagram have played a key role in popularizing aurora photography worldwide.
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