Solar Storm May Bring Rare Aurora Glow To Ladakh Tonight

A strong geomagnetic storm could give parts of Ladakh and the higher Himalayas a rare chance to witness a faint red aurora tonight.

Rare Sky Event Expected Over Ladakh

A powerful solar storm hitting Earth on June 8, 2026, could create a rare chance for aurora sightings in parts of India, especially in Hanle, Ladakh. Space weather monitors have issued a G3 geomagnetic storm watch, with brief G4-level activity also possible during the night.

The best viewing window is expected between 11:30 PM IST on June 8 and 2:30 AM IST on June 9, when charged solar particles may interact with Earth’s magnetic field and produce glowing lights in the sky.

Where Can Auroras Be Seen In India?

Auroras are usually seen near the polar regions, but strong solar storms can push them farther south. In India, Hanle in Ladakh has the best chance because of its high altitude, dark skies, and clear northern horizon.

Other possible locations include Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, parts of Kashmir, and higher Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand, though visibility may be faint and depends on storm strength, weather, and darkness.

People in Ladakh and nearby high-altitude areas can face north after midnight and use a long-exposure camera or phone night mode, as the aurora glow may appear more clearly on camera than to the naked eye.

Source: X
Video Title: Solar Storm Alert: Ladakh May See Rare Aurora Glow Tonight

Not Visible In Major Cities

Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata are unlikely to see the aurora due to distance, light pollution, and cloudy monsoon conditions. For most viewers, live updates and visuals from Ladakh may be the best way to follow this rare solar storm event.