The universe is an awe-inspiring and breathtakingly beautiful place, full of wonder and mystery. From the glittering stars in the sky to the vast expanses of space between them, there is a stunning array of sights to behold. Our own solar system's planets are equally magnificent, each with its own distinct features and sceneries. From the Sun's scorching surface to Pluto's cold depths, there is no shortage of beauty to be discovered. The universe is a huge and intricate web of interconnected occurrences, each more remarkable than the last, ranging from the smallest subatomic particles to the greatest superclusters of galaxies. But arguably, one of the most fascinating aspects of the universe is its vastness and complexity on our planet Earth. Let’s explore what we mean by that.

Here are five uniquely awe-inspiring cosmic phenomena that occur in Earth:

1.      Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis

The Northern and Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis respectively, are natural and stunning phenomena that occur in the world's polar regions. Northern Lights are seen in the northern hemisphere (Arctic Circle), whereas Southern Lights are visible in the southern hemisphere (Antarctic Circle). They are created by electrically charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in a rainbow of lights flashing across the sky.

These lights may change colours, such as green, pink, and purple, and they come in a variety of forms and designs. They can seem like curtains at times or as spirals or arcs at other times. The Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis are truly spectacular sights to witness with your own eyes to believe before you die.

2.      Sun and Moon Halo

Sun and moon halos are natural phenomena that occur when the light in the atmosphere is refracted, or bent, by ice crystals. The sun might occasionally appear to have a dazzling circle of rainbow ring around it as well as, a halo around the moon appears similarly as a luminous circle around the moon, which can also be rainbow coloured. The colours of the halo are generated by light refraction as it passes through the atmosphere's ice crystals. The halo's exact shape and size might vary based on the size and shape of the ice crystals. These halos are an uncommon and lovely sight to witness. 

3.      STEVE

STEVE, also known as Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, is a newly discovered rare and colourful natural phenomenon that appears in the polar regions. It is a narrow ribbon of multicoloured light that can be seen in the sky at night. It is commonly visible as a narrow strip of light that extends across the sky, sometimes swaying like a flag in the breeze.

It was discovered by amateur photographers who noticed a bright purple or green light that was different from the usual Aurora Borealis. Its cause is yet unknown, however, it is related to the interaction of the Earth's magnetic field with charged particles in the atmosphere and is associated with a narrow stream of hot, fast-moving gas in the atmosphere, which contributes to its unique appearance. STEVE is still being studied to better understand its origins and characteristics.

4.      Moon Bow