Relevance: GS Paper I – Geography (Solar Phenomena); GS Paper III – Science & Technology
Source: The Hindu, Space Weather Observations

The News

Strong solar storms, triggered by multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs), created unusually bright auroras across northern regions. The Sun is at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, increasing the intensity and frequency of such events.

What Are Auroras?

Auroras are natural light displays—Aurora Borealis (north) and Aurora Australis (south)—caused when charged solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere.

How They Form

• Solar storms release high-energy particles.
  
• Earth’s magnetosphere directs them to the poles.
  
• They collide with atmospheric gases (oxygen, nitrogen).
  
• These gases emit colourful light—green, red, pink, violet.
  

Auroras usually occur near the poles but spread to mid-latitudes during strong geomagnetic storms.

Key Facts 

Why It Matters

• Shows real-time Sun–Earth interaction.
  
• Key for predicting space weather hazards.
  
• Relevant to topics like magnetosphere, ionosphere, and geomagnetic storms in UPSC.
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Auroras occur when:

1. Solar charged particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field.
   
2. Atmospheric gases emit light due to excitation.
   
3. Heating of the lower atmosphere by the Sun intensifies.
   

Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

One-line Wrap:
Auroras visually capture the Sun’s energy interacting with Earth’s magnetic shield—beautiful to watch, but powerful enough to disrupt technology.