Could India see more auroras as Sun reaches peak of 11-year solar cycle?

The solar maximum, part of the Sun's 11-year natural cycle, is characterised by heightened magnetic activity, which can result in solar flares and geomagnetic storms that create dazzling auroras.

In Short

• The solar events can impact Earth's magnetosphere
• This leads to geomagnetic storms that cause auroras
• Auroras are typically visible in polar regions like the Arctic and Antarctic

The Sun has entered its solar maximum period, according to Nasa, Noaa, and the Solar Cycle Prediction Panel, raising hopes for more frequent sightings of auroras, even in regions like India.

The solar maximum, part of the Sun's 11-year natural cycle, is characterised by heightened magnetic activity, which can result in solar flares and geomagnetic storms that create dazzling auroras.

During the solar maximum, sunspots — highly magnetised regions on the Sun — are at their peak. These sunspots produce powerful storms known as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

Dr. Dibyendu Nandi, Professor of Physical Sciences and Head of the Centre of Excellence in Space Sciences India (CESSI) at IISER Kolkata, explains that these solar events can impact Earth's magnetosphere, leading to geomagnetic storms that cause auroras, particularly in high-latitude regions.

"Solar flares radiate intense high energy radiation in X-rays and extreme ultraviolet and can accelerate charged particles to very high speeds. They can be harmful for satellites and disturb the Earth's ionosphere disrupting high frequency radio communication," Dr Nandi explained.

WILL INDIA SEE MORE AURORAS?

Auroras, typically visible in polar regions like the Arctic and Antarctic, occur when charged solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, producing beautiful displays of light in the sky.

However, during periods of intense solar activity, these storms can extend auroral displays to lower latitudes.

Dr. Nandi notes that while it’s rare to see auroras in India, the ongoing solar maximum increases the chances of witnessing one, particularly in higher-altitude areas like Ladakh. "Over the next six months, we can expect more frequent solar flares and, on some occasions, intense geomagnetic storms," he says.

Although the likelihood of a low-latitude aurora remains uncertain, the possibility of a visible aurora in Ladakh could be assessed only a few days in advance, depending on solar activity.

As India’s space science community closely monitors these events, the solar maximum period, which could last up to a year, brings renewed hope for skywatchers eager to catch a rare glimpse of the Northern Lights closer to home.