Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: During large geomagnetic storms, red auroras are typically observed from low-latitude countries such as Japan1. The color arises from the specific emission line of Oxygen atoms at high altitudes2,3,4. However, during the May 10-11th 2024 superstorm, magenta auroras were observed above Japan instead of the typical red. In this study, we demonstrate that the magenta hue is created by a mixture of red (O) and a blue (N2+) aurora at extremely high altitudes. The blue color originates from the N2+ first negative emission band caused by both resonant scattering of the upwelling molecular ions5 and heavy particle precipitation during the storm6,7. This study is primarily driven by observations from citizen scientists, and confirmed and quantified with observations from spacecraft and modeling techniques. Additionally, we show that high solar activity, terrestrial season, and the preheating of the atmosphere all contribute to the occurrence of magenta aurora. This study showcases the value and richness of citizen science, and we anticipate that such approaches will become increasingly important in the future.
Source: Scientific Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,590
Awards: Development of a novel data assimilation technique for application to particle-based simulation models, 太陽高エネルギー粒子の降り込みによる初期火星大気中での生命関連分子生成量の推定, International joint research of geospace variability by combining multi-point ground and satellite observations and modeling, Investigating the variability of auroral Joule heating with AI emulators and data assimilation
OpenAlex ID: W4403828178