spectacular Northern Lights Display Bathes Switzerland in Pink Glow
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A rare and vibrant display of northern lights illuminated the skies over Switzerland on the night of Tuesday, May 14th, captivating residents and sparking widespread awe. The phenomenon, triggered by the year’s largest solar storm, painted the night sky in shades of pink, particularly over the Basel area.
A Celestial Spectacle Captured on Camera
The breathtaking event was documented by Heidy Blum, a resident of Diegten, who shared her stunning photographs in a public Facebook group dedicated to the Baselland region. Within just four hours, the images garnered over 430 likes and 25 comments, quickly becoming a viral sensation. The photos showcase the vivid, almost surreal, pink hues that dominated the night sky.
“wow,” was a common refrain among those commenting on the post, with many expressing gratitude for the shared images and describing the scene as “so notable.” One commenter even inquired about the photographic technique used, asking, “Was that a long exposure? What kind of camera? Super beautiful photos.” Blum’s simple response – “With an iPhone” – underscored the accessibility of capturing such a remarkable event.
Solar Storms and the Aurora Borealis
The source of this remarkable display was a powerful solar storm, a disturbance on the sun that releases energy into space. This energy interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field, causing the aurora borealis – commonly known as the northern lights – to appear. While typically visible in high-latitude regions, this particularly strong storm pushed the aurora further south, making it visible across much of Switzerland.
according to SRF Meteo, opportunities to witness the spectacle may continue Wednesday evening, particularly when looking towards the north. The meteorological service suggests using a cell phone camera to enhance visibility, as the colors often appear brighter on a display screen than to the naked eye. The best viewing window is expected to close around 10 p.m. local time.
The fleeting nature of the event prompted expressions of regret from those who missed the initial display. “Unfortunately I missed it, what a shame,” one Facebook user lamented. However, the possibility of a repeat performance offered a renewed sense of anticipation.
The captivating images and shared experience serve as a reminder of the powerful and beautiful forces at play in our universe,and the collective wonder they can inspire.
Why did it happen? The northern lights display was caused by a powerful solar storm, a disturbance on the sun that released energy into space. This energy interacted with Earth’s magnetic field.
Who was affected? Residents of Switzerland, particularly in the Basel area, were captivated by the display.Heidy Blum’s photos shared on Facebook reached a wide audience.
What occurred? A rare and vibrant display of northern lights, painted the night sky in shades of pink over Switzerland.
How did it end? The best viewing window for the aurora was expected to close around 10 p.m. local time on Wednesday evening, though opportunities may continue. The event’s fleeting nature prompted expressions of regret from those who missed it.
