Art in the darkness, by J.C. Kavanagh

 

The award-winning Twisted Climb series
(Book 1, The Twisted Climb, is also available in audio format)
Click here for the purchase link:
https://www.bookswelove.net/kavanagh-j-c/

Earlier this year I wrote about the sun's multiple solar flares (coronal mass ejections, or CMEs) and the resulting aurora borealis illuminating the night sky over the northern hemisphere. Sadly at that time, cloud cover in the area prevented me from viewing them. Until now.

Above our heads was this vision - an angel? A dove? What do you see?
This type of Northern Light is called a 'Divergent Coronal Aurora.'

My partner and I are avid sky watchers and when we read that a Category 4 CME (Category one being minor, five major) was on its way to earth, we prepared ourselves for an art in the sky event. Coats? Check. Touque? Check. Portable chairs? Check. Wine? Absolutely check.

Scientists have determined that solar flares from our sun have an eleven year cycle. This year, 2024, is the final year of the solar cycle and, as is typical for the cycle's end, the blasts occur more frequently and with more strength. The result? The most beautiful art-in-the-dark-sky you have ever seen.

Photos taken October 9 at 9 p.m. from our front yard
in Tiny Township, Ontario, Canada

An undulating veil of colours.
All photo credits to my partner, Ian.

Solar flares (CMEs) occur when a powerful geomagnetic solar storm takes place on the sun's surface, causing a burst or multiple bursts of energy. These energy bursts erupt into a coronal mass ejection (CME) which launches billions of tons of plasma into space. The plasma travels at an incredible solar wind speed of 750-800 km per second (470-500 miles per second). The magnetized plasma particles will take a couple of days to reach our planet and when they arrive, the earth's own magnetic field prevents it from reaching us directly. Instead, the active plasma is dispersed across the magnetosphere, resulting in the famed aurora borealis. The magnetized plasma will, however, have the capability of disrupting hydro grids, causing radio/GPS black-outs and degrading satellite reception. High-altitude planes will lower their flight path in order to avoid exposure to any radiation leaking through the magnetosphere.

The diverging point of a coronal aurora.
Note the stars are visible behind the aurora.

Due to light pollution, viewing the magnificent auroras may be difficult for those living in urban/city areas. However, if you don't want to wait eleven more years for the tail-end of the sun's next cycle, I recommend taking a trip to a rural area that has a large expanse of sky. That's the best way to capture this stunning, awe-inspiring act of nature. First, confirm that a severe geomagnetic event (CME) has taken place and within days, the aurora borealis will be on display. Noteworthy, though, the aurora borealis is something you will not find in The Twisted Climb series. What you will find is a full-moon, night-time world where nothing is as it seems and where you have to climb in order to 'fall' asleep. And also avoid the wicked intentions of Dick Hatemore. So if you enjoy adventure, action, suspense, drama and inexplicable paranormal activity, you will love the award-winning Twisted Climb trilogy. 

In the meantime, stay safe and be sure to tell the ones you love that you love them :)

J.C. Kavanagh, author of
The Twisted Climb - A Bright Darkness (Book 3) Best YA Book FINALIST at Critters Readers Poll 2022
and
The Twisted Climb - Darkness Descends (Book 2) voted BEST Young Adult Book 2018, Critters Readers Poll and Best YA Book FINALIST at The Word Guild, Canada
AND
The Twisted Climb,
voted BEST Young Adult Book 2016, P&E Readers Poll
Voted Best Local Author, Simcoe County, Ontario, 2021
Novels for teens, young adults and adults young at heart
Email: author.j.c.kavanagh@gmail.com
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