In Pics: Stunning Aurora Substorm Captured By Stargazers

Stargazers around the world witnessed a breathtaking aurora substorm lighting up the night sky, offering a vivid reminder of Earth's protective magnetosphere and the powerful forces of space weather.

Earth’s Magnetic Shield

Many planets, including Earth, have a magnetosphere — a vast magnetic shield generated by the planet’s molten metal core. This magnetosphere extends deep into space and serves as a defense, absorbing the energy of harmful charged particles that could otherwise damage Earth’s atmosphere and surface.

How Geomagnetic Storms Form

When certain regions within the magnetosphere become overloaded with energy, a geomagnetic storm can erupt. This process is somewhat similar to how thunderclouds form before a storm. During these events, accumulated energy rushes along Earth’s magnetic field lines, cascading into the atmosphere like an electric downpour.

“The particle precipitation during geomagnetic storms injects millions of amps into the atmosphere, creating spectacular auroral displays far from the poles.”

Solar Eruptions and Space Energy

At times, the Sun releases massive bursts of plasma and magnetic energy known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These immense clouds race through space and often trigger geomagnetic disturbances when they interact with Earth’s magnetic field.

Colors of the Aurora

The mesmerizing hues of the aurora emerge from collisions between energetic particles and gases in the upper atmosphere. Oxygen gas at altitudes between 100–200 km produces the familiar green glow, while nitrogen at similar heights glows blue. Lower-altitude nitrogen, below 100 km, generates reddish-purple or pink tones, combining to create a dynamic, shifting palette across the sky.

Author’s Summary: A geomagnetic storm transforms solar energy into a stunning sky show, revealing Earth’s magnetosphere in brilliant greens, blues, and purples high above the horizon.

Mashable India — 2025-11-07