cover image by Douglas
Colors of the Night Sky
On May 11, 2024, an aurora was observed across Japan. Typically, auroras are phenomena seen only near polar regions. Due to the strong influence of a solar flare, its beauty was visible even in mid-latitude areas like Japan.
What is a Solar Flare?
A solar flare is an explosion on the surface of the sun. It releases a large amount of energy, reaching Earth. When the light and particles emitted reach Earth, they collide with Earth's magnetic field, causing an aurora. Observing auroras at mid-latitudes, like this time, is rare, and scientists are using this opportunity to further study the relationship between the sun and Earth.
Image by CO CO
Reports of Successful Observations Across Japan
This aurora was clearly observed especially on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. Local observatories and enthusiasts captured this rare sight in the night sky, sharing many photos and videos on social media.
Image by shota
It is said that beautiful things can have thorns, and auroras caused by solar flares can sometimes lead to technical issues like communication disruptions and GPS malfunctions. Therefore, scientists and engineers are researching more accurate predictions and swift countermeasures for such situations.
Observing astronomical phenomena on Earth brings a sense of mystery with its grand scale. When will the next opportunity to observe an aurora in Japan be? In the northern Hokkaido area, auroras can occasionally be seen, so it might be worth researching this opportunity.
