The Spanish sky could once again be tinged with color if solar activity maintains the pulse of these days, with a Geomagnetic storm capable of bringing the auroral oval closer to peninsular latitudesIn that scenario, different regions of the country would have the option of observing this luminous phenomenon, increasing the chances of seeing northern lights in Spain, as long as the weather conditions and darkness allow.
The dynamic that makes it possible is in the Sun: in full solar cycle 25, coronal mass ejections and flares are more frequent and intense, and when these clouds of particles reach the Earth, interact with the magnetosphere and generate aurorasIf the disturbance is significant, the auroral oval expands southward and can be seen from Spain.
Why auroras can be seen from Spain
the auroras form when a coronal mass ejection It expels plasma and magnetic field into space and, upon colliding with the Earth's magnetosphere, excites oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the atmosphere, emitting greenish, reddish or violet light. In intense episodes, even two consecutive ejections can merge into a “cannibal storm”, amplifying the effect.
Surveillance centers —such as the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center— describe geomagnetic storms from G1 to G5. With elevated Kp indices (≥6–7) The auroral oval descends, and with exceptionally high values, it can extend to unusual latitudes. These windows of activity increase the probability of observation on the peninsula.
Although the prediction is changing and does not guarantee anything, recent history and warnings indicate that, with the solar cycle at its peak, Spain can have opportunities againIn very extreme situations (Kp around 8), visibility has already been observed from distant points in the Arctic.
The areas with the most observation options
When geomagnetic activity is notable, the best cards in Spain are distributed in the north and northwest of the peninsula: Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country and the north of Castile and León, coinciding with the best places to see the sky in Spain. The slightly higher latitude and the possibility of finding dark skies in rural areas give them an advantage.
If the Kp index rises one more step, the Pyrenees (Navarra, Aragon and Catalonia) and plateau areas in the north (León, Palencia, Burgos and Soria) can come into play. In very strong episodes, sporadic flashes They have even been observed from more southern areas.
To maximize options, it is advisable to gain altitude (mountains, mountain ranges and viewpoints), look for clear northern horizon and avoid nearby lights. On the coast, secluded coves and headlands can offer useful additional darkness.
When to look and how to prepare
Timing matters: with clear skies and little or no moonlight The chances increase. The most favorable hours are usually from around 22:00 PM to 02:00 AM, although the phenomenon is capricious and can appear during other periods of the night.
Orient your view—and your camera— to the north or northeastIf you see a diffuse greenish or violet glow near the horizon, it could be an aurora. Sometimes it's faint to the naked eye and is best revealed in long exposures.
Help yourself with alert applications and websites that report the Kp index and warnings from NOAA or meteorological agencies. Monitoring geomagnetic trends in real time allows you to react quickly if a visibility window opens.
For photography, a stable tripod, manual focus to infinity, and exposures lasting several seconds (with a medium-high ISO) are common allies. On mobile devices, night or professional mode can capture what the naked eye can barely discern.
Background and what to expect in solar cycle 25
The May 2024 episode left Unpublished images from many corners of Spain, with skies tinged with green, pink, and violet. This situation was driven by highly energetic coronal mass ejections and a high Kp that pushed the auroral oval southward.
With the maximum of solar cycle 25 On the time horizon, it is not out of the question that favorable occasions will be repeated in the coming months. However, the actual probability depends on each event and the local weather, so there is no guarantee observation on a specific day.
Impact on technology and security
The large geomagnetic storms They can affect technological systems: satellites, communications and, in extreme cases, power grids; this is precisely what studies on What would happen if a solar storm hit?. Operators and agencies monitor these episodes to mitigate risks. In terms of health, no direct effects are expected on the population by observing the phenomenon.
If solar activity remains high and coincides with favorable skies, the northern peninsula has an advantage for seeing auroras, with occasional opportunities in other areas if the Kp increases. Follow the alerts, seek darkness and look north will be the keys to not missing a show that, although rare in Spain, may happen again.
