• Aurora borealis or northern lights in the northern counterpart of Aurora australis(Southern Lights).

What is this optical phenomenon?

  • When the charged particles from the sun( solar flares) come in contact with Earth’s magnetic shield, it results in the release of energy into the atmosphere.
  • The colours are decided by the chemical composition of Earth’s atmosphere.
  • The frequency and intensity of auroras is linked to solar activity, frequency like the coronal mass ejections.
  • Usually the optical phenomenon is seen in high-latitude regions.

Impact

  • Satellite operations, GPS, and power grids can be impacted.
PYQ (Mains)

  • What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?

(CSE 2024,15 Marks)

Source: Times of India