Daily Current Affairs : 9-November-2023
Bulgaria recently experienced a celestial spectacle as the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, graced its skies. This marked a rare occurrence, captivating the attention of sky gazers and scientists alike. The phenomenon, typically associated with polar regions, made an unprecedented appearance over a vast expanse of Bulgaria.
About the Northern Lights:
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a mesmerizing natural display of colored lights in the night sky, forming part of the broader category of polar lights or aurora polaris. Here are some key points about these celestial wonders:
- Polar lights are observable in both the northern and southern hemispheres, with the northern lights (aurora borealis) and southern lights (aurora australis) being the respective terms.
- Earlier this year, the aurora borealis made its debut in India, specifically in Ladakh, adding to the growing list of unusual sightings beyond traditional polar regions.
How They Are Created:
Understanding the creation of the northern lights involves delving into solar activity and the interaction with Earth’s magnetic field. Here is a simplified explanation:
- The process initiates on the sun’s surface when solar activity ejects a cloud of gas called coronal mass ejection (CME).
- If this ejected material reaches Earth, it collides with our planet’s magnetic field, leading to complex changes in the magnetic tail region.
- These changes result in the generation of currents of charged particles, which then travel along magnetic force lines into the Polar Regions.
- In Earth’s upper atmosphere, these particles gain energy and, upon colliding with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, produce the captivating auroral light.
- The distinct colors of the auroras, such as the characteristic green and striking red glow, depend on the specific gas molecules encountered during these interactions.
Important Points:
- About the Northern Lights:
- Northern lights are a type of polar lights or aurora polaris, visible in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
- The terms aurora borealis and aurora australis refer to the northern and southern lights, respectively.
- Earlier in the year, the aurora borealis was seen for the first time in India, specifically in Ladakh.
- How They Are Created:
- The aurora begins with solar activity on the sun’s surface, ejecting a cloud of gas known as coronal mass ejection (CME).
- When CME reaches Earth, it interacts with the planet’s magnetic field, causing complex changes in the magnetic tail region.
- Currents of charged particles are generated and flow along magnetic force lines into the Polar Regions.
- In Earth’s upper atmosphere, these particles gain energy and produce dazzling auroral light upon colliding with oxygen and nitrogen atoms.
- The colors of the auroras, such as green and red, depend on the specific gas molecules encountered during these interactions.
Why In News
For the first time, the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, graced the skies across a broad expanse of Bulgaria, painting a breathtaking celestial tapestry that captivated both seasoned stargazers and astonished locals alike.
MCQs about Unprecedented Display of the Northern Lights
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What recently occurred for the first time in Bulgaria?
A. Solar Eclipse
B. Northern Lights
C. Meteor Shower
D. Comet Sighting
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What is the scientific name for the Northern Lights?
A. Polaris Illumination
B. Celestial Aurora
C. Aurora Borealis
D. Polar Luminescence
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What initiates the creation of the aurora borealis?
A. Lunar Activity
B. Solar Activity and Coronal Mass Ejection
C. Magnetic Storms
D. Planetary Alignment
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What determines the unique colors of the auroras?
A. Earth’s Magnetic Field
B. Solar Wind Speed
C. Specific Gas Molecules and Atmospheric Interactions
D. Distance from the Equator
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