Posted on May 11, 2024 at 7:02 pm / © Aaliyah
On Friday evening, Austria's skies took on a surreal backdrop as the northern lights illuminated a vibrant palette of colours. But what does tonight have in store for us?
from Julia Waldhauser
1 minute reading time(130 words)
Chances are good that the gorgeous landscape will show itself again, say the world's meteorologists Skywarn Austria knowledge. Last night, from May 11 to 12, 2024, several 5-minute readers were able to experience an unusual sight in the night sky. Meteorologists say: “The same landscape is likely to be repeated again next night over Central Europe.”
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Kp index above 8: ideal conditions for the northern lights
The Kp index, a measure of geomagnetic activity, continues to remain at a level above 8. This index is a measure that measures the strength of the geomagnetic storm. Values higher than 8 indicate particularly strong activity, which means ideal conditions for observing the northern lights.
Everything you need to know about the northern lights and solar storms
What are the northern lights?
Auroras, also known as Aurora Borealis (in the north) or Aurora Australis (in the south), are magnificent light phenomena that occur in the sky when charged particles from the solar wind collide with the Earth's atmosphere. The result? A beautiful play of color makes the sky come alive with glowing ribbons, arcs and swirls.
How are the northern lights created?
When the sun goes through periods of ups and downs, so-called solar storms can occur. These storms send a stream of charged particles, also known as the solar wind, into space. When these winds hit the Earth's atmosphere, the particles are deflected by the Earth's magnetic fields and end up near the poles. There they collide with gases in the atmosphere, causing an impressive light spectacle.
Where and when can you see the northern lights?
The best chances of seeing the northern lights are near the poles, such as in Scandinavia, Canada, Alaska or, as on Friday, May 10, 2024, in parts of Austria. Ideally, the nights should be dark and the skies clear. Additionally, the probability increases during the winter months when nights are longer and darker.
What is the Kp indicator and why is it important?
The Kp index is a measure of geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9 and indicates how strongly the solar wind affects Earth. The higher the value, the more intense the northern lights are and can be observed in the south.
Can the northern lights also cause harm?
Usually not. The aurora borealis is a harmless natural phenomenon that shows the beauty of the sky. However, severe solar storms can disrupt communications and power grids and affect satellites. Fortunately, such events are rare and their effects are monitored by scientists.
Why are the northern lights so amazing?
The northern lights are not only visually impressive, they also have cultural and spiritual significance for many people. They have been immortalized in myths and legends and have captivated humanity since time immemorial. Their fluid colors and unexpected appearance make them one of the most fascinating natural phenomena we can observe.
notice: This post was updated on May 11, 2024 at 7:42 p.m
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