TechAuroras dazzle further south than ever: A blend of beauty and hidden dangers
Auroras dazzle further south than ever: A blend of beauty and hidden dangers
The Sun, as it nears its peak of activity, is increasingly ejecting material that not only inspires awe with spectacular auroras visible far beyond the Arctic Circle. What is it about auroras that captures our imagination, and do they pose any hidden dangers?
The past week, in particular, saw powerful solar flares - classified as X-class coronal mass ejections (CMEs) - launching toward Earth, triggering the most intense geomagnetic storm since 2003. Since April 9th, we've witnessed an extraordinary increase in auroral activity in the skies.
Earth's magnetic field serves as a protective barrier, shielding us from solar radiation. However, during geomagnetic storms, this defense can weaken. Plasma, mainly composed of charged electrons and occasionally protons ejected by the Sun, is then funneled towards Earth's polar regions from space. This activity creates an oval-shaped zone where the radiation energizes oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the upper atmosphere. As these molecules return to their normal state, they emit colorful radiation that forms the auroras. The spectacles of red and green lights are due to atomic oxygen and molecular nitrogen at altitudes of approximately 656,168 feet and 328 to 984,252 feet, respectively. Blue and pink hues appear at lower altitudes, resulting from nitrogen excitation.
The appearance of the aurora can vary—they can be seen as magnificent light pillars, undulating bands, or even a diffuse glow. The strength of the geomagnetic storm determines how far south the aurora can be seen without optical aids. While auroras reaching the equator are extremely rare historical phenomena, seeing them from Poland is now relatively common, especially when observed far from urban light pollution. Continuous tracking of auroral activity over Poland is possible thanks to resources like the IMGW website.
The innate human curiosity stirred by the beauty of auroras naturally leads to questions about potential dangers.
Is there a reason to fear the Aurora Borealis?
With its ethereal beauty, the aurora poses no direct threat to civilization—it's merely a visually stunning natural event. The concern lies with the solar radiation that prompts the auroras. This radiation, inadequately filtered by Earth's magnetic field, can harm technology, especially devices in high-altitude orbits. During periods of increased solar activity, the risk includes satellite malfunctions, disruptions to power grids and communications, and accelerated wear on infrastructure like pipelines. These events can also interfere with radio signals, affecting GPS and other navigation systems.
The impact on human health
Regarding the physical health of individuals, there's no need to fear direct harm from geomagnetic storms, unlike animals such as pigeons that rely on a biological compass for navigation. The radiation that reaches Earth may influence the operation of devices like pacemakers, but not to a degree that poses a health risk. The bigger concern is the indirect effects, such as disruptions to navigation and mobile communications.
The effect of auroras on human well-being may vary more on an individual basis, with no direct links established. While science hasn't entirely dismissed a potential connection between auroras and changes in the nervous and circulatory systems, any such impact would be far less than the exposure from an X-ray or more intense procedures like CT scans. Astronauts, however, face genuine risks from geomagnetic storms, prompting the use of warning systems and shielded areas in spacecraft to protect them during solar events.
