Pre-publication restrictions on information

The structures captured in contributor photographs contain valuable data for scientific study. Our analysis has identified intriguing attributes that warrant formal publication so these can be shared with the science community.

The research group is currently preparing a manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals. This process involves detailed analysis of the photographic observations as well as consultation with experts like Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald, head of NASA's Aurorasaurus project, who has pledged support for the work.

Due to the confidentiality of pending journal submissions, we are limited in what findings can be publicly disclosed before publication. Rest assured, contributors will be notified once studies are formally published. The results will then be available for all to read about in open access journals.

We appreciate everyone's patience as we diligently go through the research and peer-review process. Our priority is disseminating the discoveries in this research through respected scientific channels.

The images contributors have provided are proving invaluable for unraveling the mysteries of these elusive celestial phenomena.

For now we can only advise on the following aspects based on social media postings, being publicly available.:

Night sky light events – observation details

Possible GBR observations

As of March 2024, over 100 observations of a blue light feature, posted or commented on social media, by over 70 photographers have been compiled by our study group. Observations are obviously, ground based. They are in-camera and Australasian wide from mid latitudes. A few are from North America and Europe. One instance may be from Scott Base, Antarctica. Many are concurrent, a few including Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Photos and timelapse videos cover upwards of 40 events from 2013, most probably featuring the GBR. Work is ongoing to assess and validate reports. Events may span hours, but strong appearances are much shorter.

View angles vary but are generally poleward and range in the order of (?)10-40 degrees depending on location and latitude. They are generally tilted equatorward but appear narrower and more perpendicular from the New Zealand aspect.

Other blue ray observations

Blue tipped and tall blues rays (TBRs) are more known and need to be considered in this study in case there are connections. On the other hand, care is also needed to determine how GBRs might be apart from these. More study is needed for TBRs but they are thought to occur more during peak aurora activity. Observations studied so far tend to be pre-dawn, on the dawn extremity of the aural band.. While they can be several times higher, they are more slender than the GBR and aligned with the usual aurora rays.

GBR recognition

We are currently defining the GBR by its extreme difference to all forms of aurora. Most notable is its enormous faint indigo blue columns reaching exceedingly higher than the usual aural band. At times, several rays may be discerned within bundles or limited width curtains. Up to 8 rays have been recorded on several occasions. The rays are multiple times broader than those of the aurora. Rays may overlap with different tilts and heights may vary. They tend to be more perpendicular when viewed from the New Zealand sector and more tilted from the Australia sectors.

Typical key features (provisional)- compared to aurora viewed from mid latitudes:

Faintly diffuse uniform blue/violet patches, columns or sheets.
Base colour may be affected by presence of aurora
Can extend many times higher than aurora band
May show one or several broad rays within - bundled or curtain-like
Rays are many times broader than usual aurora rays
Rays appear grouped, localised and typically poleward
Tilt angle can differ
(?) 10-60+ minute appearances
Can repeat during geostorm
(?) Occurs when aurora activity stable or reduces
Appears more outstanding from lower latitudes - aural band lower on horizon clearing view
Appears less outstanding from higher latitudes - aural band higher in sky blocking view,

Observed behaviour

Sequences of photos reveal the GBR occurs in phases comparable with aurora substorming. Three distinct phases can be identified with all features grouped, steadily tilting upwards, travelling dusk-ward and conceivably poleward. Uniform colour and speed are consistent throughout.

Onset – faint diffuse patch rising from aurora band.
Expansion – steady heightening and brightening of diffuse column and spreading – possibly accentuated with ray formations within. Rays brighten from dawn-side, dimming to the dusk-side.
Decay – fading, diminishing as a group, possibly with some break-up within. Rays diminish first and diffuse patches may linger.

Measurements

[currently being conducted]

Triangulations from correlating photos taken from the Southern Hemisphere, determine the GBR is approximately based along the night-side of the Antarctic Circle with heights sometimes exceeding 10,000 kilometres.

Location and structure

[currently being studied]

Circumstances

[currently being studied]

Preliminary study shows high propensity of GBR events associated geostorms especially when influenced by a coronal hole – after substorming when DST lowers and aural band has steadied or contracted. This does not rule out other occasions, with some on hand for study.

GBR trends are likely biased by people’s ability to photograph aurora including weather, phase of moon and light pollution. Accordingly, there may be insufficient data to determine frequency and reliable correlations with space weather and conditions of the heliosphere, magnetosphere and atmosphere.

However there appears to be a trend for more GBR observations during the Southern Hemisphere springtime.

Limitations

Observations are a recent development because of camera, technology, know-how and social media advances. The GBR will be appearing in photos due to improved camera sensor response and computer editing. Yet the GBR could be mostly outside our current spectrum possibilities and adapted cameras could be of great advantage. Permanent ground station monitoring may prove essential for further study.

Disclaimer

It is important to note that Giant Blue Ray parameters and interpretation are still under development, and further observations and analysis are required for definitive confirmation.

Details