Aurora Borealis may be visible from the Czech Republic. The conditions for observation are good

The astronomer pointed out that for observation it is necessary to find a place with a perfect view to the north without light pollution. “And keep an eye on some online auroral monitor, for example SolarHam, “ added.

According to Horálek, aurora borealis can be statistically observed in the Czech Republic once a year. “But there are years when nothing happens, and then there are years when four are needed in one year. Usually around the maximum of the eleven-year cycle of solar activity – the maximum is approaching, it will take place in 2025,” he said. The last significant aurora borealis was seen by people from the Czech Republic in March 2015.

Glowing charge

According to Horálek, aurorae are created due to the interaction of charged particles, which travel continuously from the Sun, with molecules and air atoms in the Earth’s high atmosphere. They commonly occur between 80 and 150 kilometers above the earth’s surface. Behind the interaction are protons, electrons and so-called alpha particles, ie helium nuclei with two protons and two neutrons, which the Sun usually produces during strong eruptions in magnetically closed clouds.

“The Earth has its own natural magnetic shield, which diverts most of this life-threatening radiation. But some of this solar material is trapped in areas around the Earth’s magnetic poles, where the Earth’s magnetic field lines and therefore particles penetrate our atmosphere. with atoms and molecules of air there is excitation and ionization and subsequent radiation in the form of visible light, “he described.

“In fact, we are watching a smoldering discharge in the Earth’s atmosphere, the shades of which correspond to specific values ​​of radiated energy,” he concluded.

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