The appearance of stunning auroras in Ladakh marks a monumental achievement for India’s space weather monitoring efforts. These auroras, traditionally seen in the far northern latitudes, graced the skies of Hanle and Merak in Ladakh in early October, validating years of dedication by Indian astrophysicists to improve solar storm prediction and space weather preparedness. The auroras, vivid red light streams illuminating the night, were captured by all-sky cameras operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. These sightings, while visually mesmerising, signal heightened solar activity driven by coronal mass ejections from the Sun. This solar phenomenon occurs during peaks in the Sun’s 11-year activity cycle, known as Solar Cycle 25, which experts have predicted would reach its zenith around 2024. These celestial displays are not mere spectacles but are also a direct reflection of the Sun’s turbulent dynamo processes, where intense magnetic fields form and collapse. Such solar storms pose risks far beyond the skies, affecting satellite operations, power grids, and modern communications systems. The potential for a severe solar storm to disrupt satellite-based services that sustain modern societies is a serious cause for concern.
This is where India’s success lies. The early prediction of solar storms, achieved using advanced machine learning models developed by CESSI, demonstrates the country’s growing capabilities in forecasting space weather. This not only validates the scientific community’s efforts but also strengthens India’s position in global space weather monitoring, alongside agencies like the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As breathtaking as these auroras are, they serve as a reminder of the powerful and unpredictable forces of nature beyond our planet. India’s achievements in space weather forecasting will prove crucial in safeguarding vital services from potential disruptions caused by solar storms. Yet while we celebrate this progress, the real challenge lies in being prepared for more severe, potentially “extreme” solar events. The continued investment in space science is not just about advancing our understanding of the cosmos but also about protecting the infrastructure that modern civilisation depends on. This is another milestone for Indian scientists.
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