Northern lights are often associated with distant landscapes such as Norway, Iceland, or AlaskaBut this year the situation is different: various observatories and specialists indicate that there is a real window of opportunity to see this phenomenon from Spain. It's not common in our latitudes, but the combination of several astronomical and atmospheric factors makes March particularly promising.
Around March 20th 2026When the spring equinox takes place, the Earth is placed in a configuration very favorable for the solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic fieldIf we add to this the peak activity of the current solar cycle and darker nights thanks to the proximity of the new moon, the result is a scenario in which the auroras could extend much further south than normal, reaching a large part of Europe and, with some luck, also the Spanish sky.
Why this March is so special for seeing the Northern Lights
Auroras occur when Charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in the atmosphere and release energy in the form of light. These particles reach Earth propelled by solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which are more frequent when our star is going through its phase of maximum activity within its 11-year cycle. In that context, the so-called auroral ovalThe region where auroras are normally observed near the poles may expand to lower latitudes.
During the spring and autumn equinoxes, an additional effect occurs: the well-known Russell-McPherron effectAt this time of year, the orientation of Earth's axis and magnetic field causes the solar wind to encounter more "cracks" in the magnetosphere, allowing a greater number of particles to penetrate the upper atmosphere. This configuration clearly increases the probability of geomagnetic storms powerful, capable of pushing the auroras towards areas where they are rarely seen, such as Spain or southern Europe.
During the period around the new moon near the equinox, the darkness favors the detection of auroras. space weather studies They also show that March is one of the months with the most geomagnetically active daysResearch conducted over decades by NASA solar physicists indicates that disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field tend to concentrate precisely around the equinoxes, which fits with the predictions for 2026.
All these factors—solar maximum, equinox, more permeable magnetosphere, and dark nights—explain why various scientific teams believe that best recent periods to try to see the Northern Lights from Spain, although without any absolute guarantee.
How auroras form and why they change color
According to NASA, auroras originate when solar wind particles They are guided by the Earth's magnetic field lines toward the polar regions and end up impacting the ionosphere, at an altitude of about 100-200 kilometers. When a solar storm is particularly intense, this impact zone widens and shifts, giving rise to auroras visible at great distances from the poles.
The color of the lights depends on the type of gas and the altitude at which the collision occursOxygen atoms at mid-altitudes emit the characteristic green color, which is also responsible for many yellowish hues. At higher altitudes, the same oxygen can produce an intense red glow, typical of large geomagnetic storms and more frequent at lower latitudes, where auroras are observed closer to the horizon.
Molecular nitrogen, for its part, generates blue, violet and pink sparkles in the lower layers of the atmosphere. The mixture of all these elements creates curtains, arcs, and bands of light that can slowly change shape, giving the impression of a "dance" in the sky. In Spain, when they occur, auroras tend to appear fainter and more diffuse, often as patches or veils of reddish or greenish color on the northern horizon.
Some studies have even shown that auroras can reach emit small clicks or electrical noisesAlthough these sounds are produced at such high altitudes that they are not audible from the ground under normal conditions, what is evident to the observer is the contrast between the darkness of the sky and the smooth movement of these luminous bands.
This physical mechanism is the same for both Northern Lights of the Northern Hemisphere as for the southern hemisphere's austral peaks. The difference in fame is mainly due to the fact that the Arctic has more populations, infrastructure, and specialized tourism, while around Antarctica, the opportunities for observation are fewer for the general public.
Spain on the map of the auroras: background and recent episodes
Although it may sound strange, Spain is not completely unfamiliar with the Northern LightsThroughout history, several striking episodes have been documented. One of the best known took place between January 25 and 26, 1938, when an intense solar storm caused the sky to turn red over much of Europe. In Spain, the glow was so intense that some people mistook it for distant fires or explosions during the Civil War, and there were those who interpreted it as a bad omen.
In much more recent times, Several geomagnetic storms have once again put Spain on the radar for aurorasIn the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, for example, auroras have been recorded from Almería during scientific observation campaigns carried out in the Hispanic Astronomical Center in Andalusia (CAHA), one of the most important observatories in Europe.
Unique moments have also been experienced in northern Spain and the Meseta Central. In Asturias, some scenes have been captured... greenish and reddish veils On nights of intense solar activity, auroras were visible, while in rural areas of the province of Guadalajara, such as Tobillos and Ocentejo, some amateur photographers managed to capture the faint glow of an aurora before the clouds obscured the sky. These cases show that, although infrequent, auroras are possible in Spain during particularly intense storms.
Several aurora episodes were recorded in 2024 visible from the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands, and space weather models indicate that the high-activity cycle will continue through 2026. This reinforces the idea that It is not unreasonable to expect new sightings in the coming months, always subject to the behavior of the Sun and local weather.
Experts stress that these events should not be confused with alarm signals: they are part of the normal behavior of the Sun and the Earth's magnetic field, although their visual impact is spectacular when the auroral oval extends to unusual latitudes such as those in Spain.
When can you see the Northern Lights in Spain and in which areas are there the best chances?
The calculations of the specialists agree in pointing out the March 20th 2026 as the most interesting date to try See the Northern Lights in SpainThat day marks the spring equinox, and the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and magnetic field is particularly favorable for auroral activity. Furthermore, the approaching new moon promises a darker sky than usual.
Regarding the time of day, the highest probabilities are concentrated between 22:00 and 02:00When darkness is at its peak and geomagnetic activity is most evident, auroras can appear at any time of night, so patient observers often keep a watchful eye out for several hours.
The best areas of the country are concentrated in the northern peninsula and in mountain areasGalicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Pyrenees are some of the most frequently mentioned locations, provided there is a clear northern horizon and cloudless skies. High altitudes help reduce fog and low cloud cover, as well as providing distance from the light pollution of large cities.
The The Canary Islands also have privileged enclavesPlaces like Teide National Park in Tenerife, Roque de los Muchachos in La Palma, and Garajonay National Park in La Gomera are world-renowned for astronomical observation due to their pristine night skies. During periods of high geomagnetic activity, these locations may even produce visible auroras, although these will be much fainter than the typical Arctic displays.
In extreme situations, the glow could be perceptible even from areas further south or from viewpoints in the central half of the peninsula, but These possibilities depend on the solar storm being really strong and that several very specific conditions coincide: clear skies, low humidity, and a dark environment.
Is it guaranteed to see the Northern Lights in Spain?
Despite the favorable forecasts, experts insist that It is not possible to guarantee one hundred percent The exact date when the auroras will be visible from Spain is uncertain. These phenomena are highly dependent on the actual intensity of the solar storm, the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field, and, of course, local weather conditions.
Even on high-probability days, cloud cover and light pollution They can ruin the observation. A cloud front crossing the peninsula at the crucial moment is enough to make the phenomenon go completely unnoticed from the ground, even though satellites continue to record it above the clouds.
Furthermore, the way auroras appear in latitudes like Spain's is often different from what many imagine. They most commonly appear as diffuse patches or low-contrast bandswith very subtle reddish or greenish tones. The human eye often perceives them as a luminous mist, while the camera, thanks to the long exposure, reveals more defined colors and structures.
That's why astronomers recommend adjusting expectations: at best, the spectacle might not resemble postcard images of Lapland, but it could still be worthwhile. a very striking and rare phenomenon for our latitudes. The fact that there is no guarantee does not mean it is not worth trying, as long as that element of uncertainty is accepted.
Furthermore, on September 23, during the autumn equinoxAnother theoretically favorable window will open. The dark conditions won't be as ideal as in March, but the physical mechanism that favors the equinox effect will be present again, keeping alive the possibility of new episodes of auroral activity.
Practical tips for trying to observe and photograph the aurora borealis
For those who want to try their luck, experts recommend above all get away from big citiesUrban lighting is the main enemy of the Northern Lights, especially in latitudes where they are already fainter. Rural areas, secluded viewpoints, and Starlight-certified locations are highly recommended.
Journalist and photographer Kris Ubach, with extensive experience in aurora hunting, emphasizes the importance of monitor both weather forecasts and solar activityIt's possible to have a geomagnetic storm but with the sky completely overcast, or vice versa, with a perfect night and very weak activity. In his opinion, combining aurora prediction apps Checking cloud cover reports is almost mandatory if you want to maximize your options.
As for the equipment, to properly capture the phenomenon it is essential to have a stable tripod and long exposuresIn many cases, the exposure time is 20 to 30 seconds. This allows the camera to gather enough light to reveal the colors and shapes of the aurora borealis, even when they appear faint to the naked eye. An increasing number of mobile phones now include night modes that make taking these kinds of photos easier without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
It's also a good idea to look for a place with clear view towards the northern horizonA building, a nearby mountain, or a row of tall trees can obscure the exact strip of sky where the phenomenon would occur. That's why many people opt for high natural viewpoints, reservoirs, or open mountain areas.
Patience is another key factor: auroras can appear and disappear in a matter of minutes, or remain as a soft glow for hours. Some experts recommend keeping an eye on the sky, without constantly looking at a screen, so as not to miss subtle changes in brightness or the shapes of the light.
A year of intense astronomical phenomena in Europe
Interest in the possible Northern Lights visible from Spain It is part of an especially lively astronomical calendar for 2026. The solar maximum is generating a notable increase in the number of sunspots, flares and coronal mass ejections, with visible consequences throughout the northern hemisphere, from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean.
Several auroral displays have already been recorded in Europe this year, reaching mid-latitudes, with photographs taken from countries such as Germany, France, and Italy. These events show that the auroral oval It is recurrently shifting southwards, something that fits with a particularly active solar cycle.
In addition to possible sightings of the Northern Lights, other notable events include: lunar and solar eclipsesvisible in different parts of the continent. Without even leaving Spain, enthusiasts have already been able to enjoy a lunar eclipse in early March, and they have a solar eclipse marked on their calendars for August, which will once again focus attention on the sky.
In this context, the option of viewing the Northern Lights from our region adds an extra appeal to a year in which astronomy is very much present in the public discourse. The increasing availability of real-time tracking tools—from space weather websites to mobile apps—has led to more and more people following them closely. geomagnetic storm warnings and organize quick getaways to try and capture them.
Everything points to the fact that we are in one of those periods in which the Sun and the Earth collaborate to offer a catalog of unusual phenomena in latitudes such as Spain's, which explains the renewed interest in understanding how auroras work and what is needed to be able to see them without leaving the country.
With all these elements on the table, the possibility of observing northern lights in Spain This March, it's not a pipe dream, but it's not a sure thing either: it depends on solar activity, the equinox effect, cloud cover, and dark skies all aligning at just the right moment. For those who decide to try, it's a reasonable gamble: if the conditions are right, the sky could offer one of the most spectacular displays visible from our region; if not, it will still be a good night for stargazing and remembering that, even though we live far from the Arctic, the Northern Lights occasionally appear here too.
