Auroras around the world: Beautiful phenomenon or threat?

Seeing the northern lights, also called aurora borealis, is a unique experience that many people dream of. Tourists often travel to northern regions like Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Alaska to witness this natural phenomenon. However, even in these locations, you might not get to see the northern lights, as this magnificent event depends on several factors. There is also a counterpart to this natural event in the Southern Hemisphere: the aurora australis, or southern lights. Seen in areas like Antarctica and New Zealand, this light show is not as well-known as the northern lights but is equally mesmerizing. The northern lights are described as bright, swirling curtains of light in green, pink, and red tones that appear in the dark night sky. They are usually observed in regions close to the poles, where the Earth's magnetic field is strong, creating an impressive display of colors. This stunning phenomenon occurs as a result of the interaction between charged particles from the Sun and the Earth's magnetic field. This year, a magnetic storm allowed northern lights to be seen in lower latitudes as well. Why are the northern lights more common in 2024? Why is the Sun so active? Intense periods of solar activity are part of the Sun's natural life cycle. What determines the colors? Are auroras dangerous? The powerful magnetic storm in 2024 gave many people the chance to witness this natural wonder and reminded us of how magnificent our planet's interaction with the Sun can be. If you want to see the stunning northern lights, 2024 might be an ideal year to observe them!

Auroras around the world: Beautiful phenomenon or threat?

The northern lights are typically observed only in polar regions. However, they have recently been seen at lower latitudes like Türkiye, Germany, and China. So, why is this happening, and does it pose a real danger?

Are auroras dangerous?