Mysterious red aurora lights up Ladakh skies, Indian telescopes capture rare celestial event

In a surprising celestial spectacle, the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) located in Ladakh's Hanle and Merak recorded images of an unusual redness in the skies on the night of November 5. The red auroral activity, identified as a Stable Auroral Red (SAR) event, is a rare atmospheric phenomenon characterized by vibrant red hues, deviating from the more common green and blue tones associated with auroras at higher latitudes. The SAR event was triggered by a geomagnetic storm induced by a solar storm.

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, operated the IAO and utilized an All-sky Camera to document this extraordinary occurrence. The camera, continuously monitoring the celestial sphere, captured the red aurora towards the northern horizon from 10 pm to midnight, with peak intensity around 10:40 pm. This rare phenomenon was not confined to Ladakh, as multiple global locations also experienced the SAR event, making it a noteworthy astronomical happening.

The IIA expressed enthusiasm for further research on such auroral activities from Hanle, particularly during active periods of the Sun. The rare celestial event adds to the appeal of Hanle as a destination for astro-tourism and scientific exploration, showcasing its significance in the field of astronomy.