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

Moonbows are unusual and beautiful occurrences which take place when moonlight in the atmosphere is refracted or bent by water droplets. Similar to a rainbow, a moonbow appears as a circle of light that surrounds the moon, and it can have a range of colours, such as blue, green, and purple, but they are formed by the light of the moon rather than the sun, thus they tend to be less dazzling.

It constitutes a rare and majestic sight that can only be viewed under special circumstances and can be observed in locations with high humidity or near bodies of water, such as waterfalls or lakes, but they can also be observed during a full moon when the moon is high in the sky.  

5.      Light Pillars

Light pillars are a natural phenomenon that occurs when light is reflected by tiny ice crystals in the atmosphere. The ice crystals in the atmosphere act like tiny mirrors, reflecting the light from sources such as streetlights, buildings, or even the sun, creating the illusion of a vertical column of light that stretches upwards into the sky.

They are often seen in cold and dry areas, such as in the polar regions or during winter months and can have a range of colours, such as pink, red, orange, purple, yellow, and blue which can be seen from a distance. The exact colours and shape of the light pillars can vary depending on the angle of the light and the shape and size of the ice crystals. They are a rare and beautiful sight that can be seen in areas with cold temperatures and high levels of moisture in the air.

These are a few of the astonishing occurrences on Earth's surface you must witness yourself first to believe. These breathtaking visual displays of events act as an illustration of the universe's endless complexity and power, as well as the amazing phenomena that may be discovered in our own atmosphere. They are uncommon and wonderful vistas that bear witness to the extraordinary ways in which light may be refracted and bent by the atmosphere, as well as an illustration of the incredible natural occurrences that those throughout the entire globe can admire.

Despite its vastness and complexity, the universe maintains astonishing harmony and balance. Each particle, star, and galaxies are perfectly balanced with one another, resulting in a symphony of motion and energy that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring.