In a remarkable celestial event, Mongolia witnessed a rare auroral display as its skies transformed into a deep, blood-red hue on Friday and early Saturday.
The striking coloration resulted from a substantial solar storm’s initial impact on Earth, creating a breathtaking spectacle that left observers amazed.
Auroras, typically green and occurring closer to the poles, took on an unusual crimson shade in Mongolia due to the interaction of solar particles with oxygen at high altitudes—more than 241 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, where the atmosphere is thinner.
This distinct red hue is an uncommon manifestation of the Northern Lights, linked to periods of heightened solar activity.
The ongoing solar storm, triggered by multiple coronal mass ejections on November 27, 2023, propelled high-energy particles toward Earth, with the first wave reaching our planet on November 29.
Red auroras result from solar particles colliding with oxygen molecules at higher altitudes, where oxygen density is lower, causing less frequent collisions and emitting red light instead of the more typical green. This process is reminiscent of how neon lights operate, with excited gas atoms releasing photons upon returning to their ground state.
Historically, red auroras were documented during powerful geomagnetic storms, such as the Carrington Event of 1859, the most intense solar storm recorded. Mongolia’s red aurora occurrence offers scientists a unique chance to study solar storm effects at lower latitudes.
While mesmerizing, it serves as a reminder of the Sun’s immense power and the potential impact of solar weather on our technology-dependent society. As the solar cycle approaches its predicted peak in 2024, skywatchers can anticipate more auroral displays, though few may match the intensity and rarity of Mongolia’s blood-red skies.
