Northern lights, or aurora borealis, have seemed particularly vibrant and frequent lately. This is primarily due to the current phase of the sun's activity. Here's a breakdown of the key factors:
- Solar Maximum:
- The sun goes through an approximately 11-year cycle of activity, with periods of increased and decreased solar activity. We are currently approaching or within the "solar maximum" of Solar Cycle 25.
- During solar maximum, the sun produces more sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
- CMEs are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the sun. When these reach Earth, they interact with our planet's magnetic field, causing the auroras.
- Therefore, more solar activity translates to more frequent and intense auroras.
- Increased Visibility:
- Because of the increased solar activity, auroras are being seen at lower latitudes than usual. This means more people in populated areas are having the opportunity to witness them.
- Technology and Social Media:
- Modern smartphone cameras have vastly improved low-light capabilities, making it easier to capture stunning images of the aurora.
- Social media platforms allow for the rapid sharing of these images and real-time alerts of aurora activity, increasing awareness and the perception of frequency.
- This combination of readily available information, and the ability to capture and share it, greatly increases the awareness of when aurora's are happening.
In essence, the increase in observed northern lights is a combination of natural solar cycles and increased awareness due to technological advancements.