Paint the sky with a dreamy feast of lights, Aurora. Waiting for the aurora while gazing at the sky from a snow-covered landscape is an adventure in itself, and the silence and vastness of nature at that moment evoke a profound sense of wonder. Have you ever experienced a feast of color brightening the darkness, like a brilliant watercolor stretching across the night sky? The silence and vastness of nature create an indescribable sense of awe. Like a magnificent watercolor painting spread across the night sky, the aurora offers a breathtaking spectacle. It appears and disappears in an instant, constantly shifting in shape, making it difficult to capture in photographs. This fleeting, ever-changing nature makes witnessing it with one's own eyes an even more precious and unforgettable experience.

 Generally, aurora is known as a mysterious natural phenomenon seen only in polar regions like the Arctic and Antarctic. Yet, this July, it is expected to be possible aurora in Korea, too. Indeed, how is the aurora made and how can we observe the aurora in Korea? The aurora happens when charged particles released by the Sun happen to interact with Earth’s magnetic field. This mostly occurs in the upper polar atmosphere. It starts with high energy particle called ‘solar wind’ which are emitted from the Sun and reach the Earth. Generally, solar wind is composed of charged particles like protons, electrons, helium ions and it shapes the flow of particles that are constantly being released into space. If these particles approach the Earth, they are  affected by the Earth’s powerful magnetic field and are diverted to the Earth’s poles. The magnetic field surrounding the Earth decides the particles’ route is bent, and these particles collide with the gas molecules in the polar atmosphere. In this process, collisions generate gas molecules like oxygen and nitrogen as a result of the light emitted. The principle of auroras occurring is that an electromagnetic wave whose particles have collided and are released into the ionosphere. The light emitted at this moment makes the aurora’s shape and color that we see. It appears when molecules obtain energy and change into a higher energy, and this energy is emitted again as light. The color of auroras varies according to the types of gases:, green and red are oxygen, yellow and pink occur as reactions to nitrogen. Most of all, green collides with oxygen is most common, known as typical color that decorates the night sky during auroras. Auroras mostly emerge in the form of a curtain. However, it seems to be a vague green fog without a specific form. Also, auroras generate a spectacle called substorm, and at this time they look more colorful and has more dynamic movement.

 Auroras occur due to the interaction between solar winds and Earth's magnetic field, primarily forming in the auroral zones near the poles where charged particles from the solar winds collide with the atmosphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, this phenomenon is called the ‘aurora borealis’, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is known as the ‘aurora australis’. Some of the most well-known viewing locations include Tromso in Norway, Rovaniemi in Finland, Yellowknife in Canada, Iceland, and Alaska in the United States. In the Southern Hemisphere, auroras can be seen in Antarctica, Tasmania in Australia, and Stewart Island in New Zealand. However, under specific conditions, auroras can also appear in unexpected regions. Why is there a prediction that auroras may be visible in South Korea in July 2025? In fact, auroras are not entirely unfamiliar in Korean history. Ancient records, including ‘Samguk Sagi’, ‘Goryeosa’, and the ‘The Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty’, contain descriptions of mysterious lights in the night sky that are believed to be auroras. Even in modern times, a powerful geomagnetic storm on October 30, 2003, led to an aurora being observed from Bohyunsan Observatory in Gyeongsangbuk-do. The increased likelihood of seeing auroras in Korea in July 2025 is due to the peak of solar activity. According to NASA, 2025 marks the solar maximum, a period in the Sun's 11 years cycle when sunspot activity intensifies, leading to stronger solar winds. When these powerful solar winds interact with Earth's magnetic field, they can cause geomagnetic disturbances, increasing the chances of auroras appearing in mid-latitude regions beyond the polar zones. If a strong geomagnetic storm occurs during this period, Earth's magnetic field may weaken further, lowering the latitude at which auroras can be seen. This means that auroras could become visible in regions like Korea. Since all these conditions are expected to align in July 2025, there may be a rare opportunity to witness an aurora in Korea.  

 How can one observe an aurora? Choosing a location with minimal light pollution and an open view of the sky is essential. In cities, bright artificial lights make it difficult to see auroras, so mountainous or rural areas are better for viewing. In Korea, high-altitude areas in Gangwon State, Chungcheongbuk-do, and Jeonbuk State are considered ideal spots for aurora observation. Additionally, suburban or countryside areas with low light pollution can also offer a good chance of seeing auroras. Since auroras are often more visible in the early morning rather than late at night, checking weather conditions and solar activity forecasts before heading to a dark, open space is recommended. If you have ever dreamed of seeing an aurora, July 2025 might be your chance. Will we be able to witness the breathtaking dance of lights in the Korean night sky? This summer, let's look forward to this extraordinary natural phenomenon unfolding over the Korean Peninsula.

81st Reporter • An Keum Hyun• ankeumhyun1@gmail.com

83rd Cub Reporter • Kim Ye Lim• kyl5838@gmail.com