Researchers working at the Scott Base in Antarctica have documented a stunning pink sky influenced by the volcanic eruption in Tonga earlier this January.
Antarctic Sky Viewed from Scott Base. Photo: Stuart Shaw
The scattering effect of light from aerosols in the atmosphere has caused the sky to glow with vibrant pink hues, as captured in photos shared by science technician Stuart Shaw on New Atlas on July 14. The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano in Tonga in January 2022 has been linked to this phenomenon. Signs of the pink light effect began to appear in New Zealand over the past two months, resulting from aerosols primarily formed from sulfate particles. Since the eruption originated from an underwater volcano, scientists believe that water vapor droplets also contributed to the enchanting colors in the sky.
Representing the New Zealand Antarctic Research Agency at Scott Base, Shaw learned about the pink sky back home. When the sky above Antarctica exhibited similar colors, he immediately recognized the phenomenon as being caused by the same effect.
“Typically, during the winter, Antarctica is almost engulfed in endless darkness. But this year, we can enjoy this light display, prompting most people to rush outside to take photos. I didn’t edit the photos at all. The scenery is truly magnificent,” Shaw shared.
Data from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research in New Zealand indicates a rich presence of aerosols in the atmosphere above Antarctica. Aerosols can circulate around the globe for months after an eruption, dispersing and bending light to create shades of pink, blue, and purple.
“Antarctica is 5,000 kilometers from New Zealand and 7,000 kilometers from Tonga, yet we share the same sky,” said Jordy Hendrikx, the scientific advisory director of the New Zealand Antarctic Research Agency.
