Enchantment of pink light: Northern lights in the Dolomites
At 1,875 m asl at Passo Campolongo in Arabba, the phenomenon could be admired in all its beauty
In the heart of the majestic Dolomites, specifically at the foot of the Sella massif, at Passo Campolongo in the Fodom Valley of Arabba, a fascinating and unexpected celestial phenomenon captured the attention of enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike on the night between May 10th and 11th, 2024: the aurora borealis.
Commonly associated with polar regions, these spectacular displays of green, purple, and pink light are now adorning the skies of the Italian Alps. The aurora borealis is the result of charged particles from the solar wind interacting with the Earth's magnetosphere, creating an explosion of colors in the night sky.
This phenomenon, typically visible primarily near the poles, is now manifesting in unusual places like the Dolomites, where it made an appearance earlier this winter. Scientists attribute this extraordinary spectacle to the ongoing solar cycle, which has increased solar activity and thus the intensity of charged particle emissions. This heightened solar activity has expanded the area where the aurora borealis can be observed, extending beyond the traditional Arctic boundaries.For nature and photography enthusiasts, this event represents a unique opportunity to capture the beauty of the Dolomites under an entirely new light.
The peaks and passes of the Dolomites, already spectacular by day, become the stage for a luminous nocturnal ballet. However, the aurora borealis in the Dolomites remains a transient and unpredictable phenomenon. It is unknown how long this celestial spectacle will continue to adorn our Alpine skies. This makes each appearance an experience not to be missed, a luminous dance that combines the beauty of nature with the wonder of the universe.
So, if you are fortunate enough to find yourself among the Dolomites during starry nights, look up to the sky. You might witness one of nature's most extraordinary displays: the aurora borealis, or better yet, let's call it the "Dolomite aurora."
Photo credits for images taken on 10/05/2024: © Davide Dalponte, Campolongo Pass, Arabba Fodom Dolomites
Commonly associated with polar regions, these spectacular displays of green, purple, and pink light are now adorning the skies of the Italian Alps. The aurora borealis is the result of charged particles from the solar wind interacting with the Earth's magnetosphere, creating an explosion of colors in the night sky.
This phenomenon, typically visible primarily near the poles, is now manifesting in unusual places like the Dolomites, where it made an appearance earlier this winter. Scientists attribute this extraordinary spectacle to the ongoing solar cycle, which has increased solar activity and thus the intensity of charged particle emissions. This heightened solar activity has expanded the area where the aurora borealis can be observed, extending beyond the traditional Arctic boundaries.For nature and photography enthusiasts, this event represents a unique opportunity to capture the beauty of the Dolomites under an entirely new light.
The peaks and passes of the Dolomites, already spectacular by day, become the stage for a luminous nocturnal ballet. However, the aurora borealis in the Dolomites remains a transient and unpredictable phenomenon. It is unknown how long this celestial spectacle will continue to adorn our Alpine skies. This makes each appearance an experience not to be missed, a luminous dance that combines the beauty of nature with the wonder of the universe.
So, if you are fortunate enough to find yourself among the Dolomites during starry nights, look up to the sky. You might witness one of nature's most extraordinary displays: the aurora borealis, or better yet, let's call it the "Dolomite aurora."
Photo credits for images taken on 10/05/2024: © Davide Dalponte, Campolongo Pass, Arabba Fodom Dolomites