recent violent eruptions This from our sun sends particles rushing across the solar system. Slamming through Earth’s atmosphere creates an aurora so intense that astronauts can’t even breathe.
Crew-2 astronaut Thomas Pesquet captured this stunning image of the aurora borealis over North America on Nov. 4, 2021. The stunning light show was the result of a recent X-ray solar flare.ESA/NASA–T. Pastegate
In late October, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of bright eruptions from the Sun. a few days later The crew of the International Space Station (ISS) saw what astronaut Thomas Pesquet called “the strongest aurora on the entire mission.” These include “a remarkable spike that rises higher than our orbit … [and] Fast waves and tremors all around.”
Translated from French, Pesquet’s description also reads: “Nature has decided to give us the final bouquet for our departure: the most intense aurora borealis in the whole quest … it attracts The real crown of the North of America with peaks that seem to be higher than ours. Elevation and rapid pulsation that produces blue-green waves. Looks like breathing! We flew through our noses next to the windows.”
What is the aurora caused by?The striking manifestation occurs because flares recently emitted by the sun emit waves of charged particles that spread across the solar system. When these particles are captured by the magnetic field of the Earth or any planet. Those particles collide with the atoms in the atmosphere. Make them heat up and glow. The result is an ethereal dance of light high above the ground: the aurora, their patterns and movements follow magnetic fields. while different colors arising from various elements In the atmosphere, on Earth, fire typically extends from 80 miles (130 kilometers) above the lowest surface to hundreds or even thousands of miles high.
The October solar flare is a Tier X1 event. Tier X flares are the strongest. Fireworks greater than X10 (which is 10 times more powerful than X1 flares) are considered the most powerful. thanks to strength The northern lights make for a great show for many people living at high latitudes in the northern hemisphere. Including in the northern states of the United States.
Aurorae are just a type of space weather. This can affect everything from the normal operation of orbiting satellites to the health and safety of astronauts, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This flame caused a heavy radio signal to go out. which greatly affected South America on October 28th.
Understanding Space Weather Including the aurora and other effects that it causes can help us understand our sun better. which entered the latest solar cycle, the 25th round, a few years ago Determining when eruptions and storms will occur including potential impacts It also helps space agencies protect equipment and people outside Earth’s atmosphere. Whether they’re orbiting the Earth or traveling through the solar system.
In addition, the aurora they created looked more beautiful and worth recording on film. Whether you’re in space or with your feet firmly on the ground.
