On the night of October 10-11, 2024, residents of Hamilton, Ontario, were treated to a breathtaking display of the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights. This celestial phenomenon painted the night sky with vibrant greens, purples, and reds, captivating onlookers and photographers alike.
What Causes the Aurora?
Auroras occur when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth’s atmosphere. These particles are typically released during solar events, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME). When they reach Earth, they interact with the planet’s magnetic field and atmosphere, causing the vivid colors that dance across the sky.
The stunning display over Hamilton was triggered by sunspot AR3848, which erupted on October 8, 2024, at 01:56 UTC. This sunspot unleashed a powerful X1.8-class solar flare, sending a wave of charged particles hurtling toward Earth. As these particles entered the atmosphere, they sparked the mesmerizing auroral displays.
A Night to Remember
For Hamiltonians, the sight of the aurora was not only a scientific marvel but also a reminder of the beauty of nature. Many residents took to social media to share their experiences and photos, expressing awe at the colors and patterns that lit up the night sky. The colours were unmistakably visible around 10 pm and aurora could even be seen overhead.
Due to the strength of the CME, the auroral event continues into Friday for central and east Asia. There is a possibility that this event will continue long enough to be visible again Friday evening in the Hamilton area.
photos courtesy of John Devonshire
