Tempête solaire aurores boréales - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. What is a solar storm? A solar storm, also known as a geomagnetic storm, is a disturbance in Earth's magnetosphere caused by changes in solar wind, which is a stream of charged particles released from the sun.
- 2. What causes a solar storm? Solar storms are typically caused by solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun. These events release large amounts of energy and particles into space, which can interact with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.
- 3. What are auroras borealis? Auroras borealis, also known as the northern lights, are a natural light display that occurs in the polar regions when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth's atmosphere. This interaction creates colorful lights in the sky, typically in shades of green, pink, purple, and red.
- 4. How are auroras borealis related to solar storms? Solar storms can trigger more intense and widespread auroras borealis by increasing the influx of charged particles into Earth's atmosphere. This can lead to brighter and more colorful displays of northern lights.
- 5. Where can you see auroras borealis? Auroras borealis are most commonly seen in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, near the North and South Poles. However, during periods of intense solar activity, they can sometimes be visible at lower latitudes as well.
- 6. Are auroras borealis dangerous? Auroras borealis are not dangerous to humans, as the charged particles that cause them are typically deflected by Earth's magnetic field. However, solar storms can have other effects on technology and infrastructure, such as disrupting satellite communications and power grids.
- 7. How can you predict auroras borealis? Auroras borealis can be predicted using space weather forecasting models that track solar activity and the arrival of solar storms. Websites and apps dedicated to aurora forecasting can provide real-time updates on the likelihood of seeing northern lights in specific locations.
- 8. When is the best time to see auroras borealis? Auroras borealis are most commonly seen during the winter months when nights are longer and darker in the polar regions. However, they can also be visible during the equinoxes in March and September when solar activity is high.
- 9. Can you photograph auroras borealis? Yes, auroras borealis can be photographed using a camera with a long exposure setting and a tripod to capture the movement of the lights in the sky. Many photographers travel to remote locations with clear skies and minimal light pollution to capture stunning images of the northern lights.
- 10. What should you do during a solar storm? During a solar storm, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and your technology. This can include avoiding outdoor activities that rely on GPS or satellite communications, unplugging sensitive electronic devices, and staying informed about space weather alerts and warnings.