By- Srishti Verma
In an unexpected yet stunning celestial event, the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Ladakh's Hanle and Merak captured images of a rare redness in the skies.
The unusual atmospheric phenomena known as Stable Auroral Red (SAR) events, which contrast with the more common green and blue curtains of light usually connected to auroras at higher latitudes, are responsible for the reddish-colored auroral activity.
A geomagnetic storm—a significant disruption of Earth's magnetosphere brought on by a solar storm—caused the SAR incident.
This remarkable occurrence was recorded using an All-sky Camera by the Indian Astrophysics Observatory (IAO), run by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru.
Merak, another place in Ladakh on the banks of Pangong Tso, was also able to catch this amazing show of stars.
Higher mountains in the area largely blocked Merak's view, which was known as the planned location for the National Large Solar Telescope.
Such an auroral emission at lower latitudes, as 33° North Ladakh, is an uncommon and exciting event, enhancing Hanle's appeal as a center for scientific research and astrotourism.
Studying more of these auroral events from Hanle, especially during the Sun's active periods, excited the IIA. Hanle remains a popular place for astronomy enthusiasts and scholars due to these uncommon celestial phenomena.