Oman Astronomical Society receives first scientific documentation from NASA

Muscat: Oman Astronomical Society (OAS) received first scientific documentation from NASA observing the phenomenon of aurora borealis in the skies of the Sultanate of Oman.

The NASA statement was in response to the findings of a team of astro-photographers from OAS who reported having observed relatively mysterious, colourful lights on the night of 12 May 2024, when a strong solar storm hit the Earth, causing the appearance of the aurora borealis.

The OAS team took photos at Jabal Al Sarat in the Western Hajar Starlight Reserve, after which specialists from NASA affirmed that what was observed was in fact the first scientific documentation of this phenomenon in the skies of the Sultanate of Oman.

The phenomenon of "aurora borealis" is common in the areas near the poles of the planet Earth. It results from a glow in the sky due to the interaction of charged particles from the sun with molecules in the Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon intensifies upon the increase in solar activity. Observers anticipate the occurrence of solar storms that shed millions of tons of the sun's matter into space. Some of the substance reaches the Earth to form that exotic show of light.

Observing and documenting the “aurora borealis” and other sky phenomena from various parts of the planet Earth assumes significance, as it provides insights into the dynamics that govern our planet and their relevance to interactions with the space and the sun.