Residents of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province were mesmerized as a rare pink and purple aurora illuminated the skies from the night of June 1 to the early hours of June 2. The stunning display was reported by China Media Group (CMG) and captured the imagination of many who witnessed this unusual phenomenon.
The vibrant auroras were the result of a geomagnetic storm triggered by a solar flare that erupted on May 31. Geomagnetic storms occur when intense solar activity disturbs the Earth’s magnetic field. Typically, these auroras are visible above 60 degrees north latitude, but the exceptional strength of this storm pushed the auroral zone southward to around 45 degrees north latitude, reaching Heilongjiang Province.
When a geomagnetic storm is powerful enough, charged particles from the sun penetrate the Earth’s lower atmosphere. Here, they collide with nitrogen molecules, producing blue and violet light. This light mixes with red emissions from oxygen atoms in the upper atmosphere, creating the enchanting pink and purple hues observed.
The cities of Jiamusi and Heihe were among those in Heilongjiang Province that experienced this rare celestial event. For many residents, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness such a dazzling display of natural beauty.
