The sun may seem like an unchanging ball of plasma, but it’s really an amazing aspect of the solar system. This article will explore five different types of solar phenomena and explain how they occur. Viewing such a rare solar occurrence can be a spectacular, once in a lifetime experience. Take advantage of any opportunity you get to experience solar phenomena!
Solar Phenomena
1. Flare
A solar flare is a bright flash of energy over the surface of the sun. This occurs when magnetic energy releases suddenly in an explosion with the force of millions of hydrogen bombs. There are currently three categories that range in effect from barely noticeable to causing radiation storms and radio blackouts across the globe.
2. Eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the Earth and the sun. During the new moon phase, the sun is partially or fully blocked. An annular solar eclipse is when the moon covers the sun except for a ring of light around the outer edge.
3. Aurora
Solar auroras indicate that the Earth and the sun have a connection. The particles from the sun blow in solar wind towards the Earth causing a curtain of glowing light. Typically, these natural light spectaculars are visible in high latitude regions, but a magnetic storm can increase the viewing area.
4. Pillar
A solar pillar is when the sun’s light reflects into the atmosphere thanks to ice crystals. A pillar of light appears above and below the light source. This visual effect is often spotted at Niagara Falls in the winter as the light reflects off water particles that have turned to ice.
5. Halo
A solar halo is a white ring that encircles the sun. The halo is created by sunlight passing through ice crystals within cirrus clouds. When the light refracts at a twenty two degree angle in the sky a halo can be seen. If the ice crystals are vertically aligned, a pair of bright spots called sun dogs can be spotted on either side of the halo.
Featured Image from Sung Jin Cho/Unsplash
