On October 11, 2024, a G4 geomagnetic storm illuminated the night skies of Ladakh in an intense red hue, marking the fourth occurrence of this phenomenon during the current solar cycle.
The storm, the strongest since May 2024, was triggered by a halo coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the Sun on October 9. This CME, consisting of hot gas expelled from the Sun's atmosphere, impacted Earth around 11:30 IST on October 10, with geomagnetic activity peaking at 7:30 IST on October 11.
SPK Rajaguru from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) noted that Solar Cycle 25 is currently experiencing peak sunspot activity, surpassing the levels seen in the previous cycle. This surge in solar activity has prompted researchers worldwide to investigate new phenomena beneath the Sun's surface.
Photographers at the IIA captured the auroras using all-sky cameras in Hanle and Merak, where the red emissions were visible to the naked eye throughout the night. Astronomers monitored the auroral activity closely, with some traveling from Leh to Stakna for better observation.
The Gauribidanur Radio Observatory also tracked the CME, contributing to the understanding of this significant solar event. Last month, NOAA and NASA confirmed that the Sun has reached solar maximum in the ongoing cycle, an 11-year period characterized by fluctuating solar activity.