This weekend, the Northern Lights could once again light up the skies of several regions of Spain. The phenomenon, which was already visible last May in some parts of the country, threatens to repeat itself due to the intense solar activity we are experiencing. On this occasion, the X9 magnitude solar flare could trigger a geomagnetic storm sufficient to allow the observation of the impressive northern lights at unusual latitudes, such as the Iberian Peninsula.
Northern lights are usually difficult to see , especially in Spain, but the solar storm predicted for this weekend offers a unique opportunity for those who are in the right place at the right time.
Once again, just like in May, the Northern Lights were visible in parts of Catalonia, northern Spain, and other low latitudes. And now, after just five months, we could once again enjoy this magical spectacle in our latitudes.
Why do the Northern Lights occur?
The Northern Lights are the result of the interaction between charged particles from the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field. When these particles come into contact with the atmosphere, they produce colorful lights that illuminate the sky. This phenomenon is usually visible in areas near the Arctic Circle, such as Norway and Iceland. However, the current intense solar activity is allowing the Northern Lights to shift to lower latitudes, giving us the opportunity to see them in places where it was previously almost impossible, such as Spain.
How are the Northern Lights formed? To better understand this phenomenon, it is interesting to delve into the processes that originate them and how solar activity influences their appearance.
Last May, the skies across the country lit up with shades of green and pink in unexpected places like Montsec in Catalonia, Mallorca, and Valladolid. And now, after just five months, we could once again enjoy this magical spectacle in our latitudes.
Where can you see the Northern Lights in Spain?
The Northern Lights this weekend could be visible in various parts of the country, weather permitting. The best areas for viewing them are those with minimal light pollution and clear skies, such as mountainous or rural areas far from human activity.
Among the most recommended places are:
- The Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees in Catalonia: areas such as the Montsec They already witnessed this phenomenon in May.
- The mountains of northern Spain: in particular the Pyrenees and other mountain ranges far from cities.
- Plateau and highland areas: as the Central Plateau, especially in sparsely populated rural areas.
- Cleared coastal areas: it is possible that in some coastal areas, such as Cap de Formentor in Mallorca or even at certain points on the Ibizan coast, the auroras can be seen.
Did you know that auroras have been seen in Spain before? The experience of May and other similar events shows us that, with the right conditions, this phenomenon can be visible in our country.
Recommendations for viewing the Northern Lights
If you're determined to try and see the Northern Lights this weekend, here are some practical tips to maximise your chances:
- Moving away from cities: Go to places far from urban centers, since light pollution will make the phenomenon almost impossible to see.
- Altitude and clear horizons: Look for high areas, such as mountains or plateaus. Avoiding obstacles and having a good view of the horizon will be essential.
- Night mode on cameras:The auroras may not be visible to the human eye in all their magnitude, but with the night mode on mobile phones or long exposure cameras you can capture their true beauty.
- Check the weather: Forecasts indicate some cloudy periods, especially in areas of Catalonia and the Pyrenees, but they should not be a serious impediment. Make sure the sky is as clear as possible.
Useful apps for tracking aurora activity will allow you to stay informed in real time and not miss the show if conditions change.
The science behind the northern lights
As experts from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory explain , the Northern Lights are caused by intense coronal mass ejections that occur during peak solar activity. Right now, the Sun is in a period of maximum activity, and this increased emission of charged particles raises the likelihood of seeing auroras at lower latitudes.
This period of peak activity is causing the Sun's magnetic field to emit large quantities of charged particles that interact with Earth's atmosphere, creating the lights we know as auroras. Furthermore, these phenomena are more frequent during new moons , like the one we expect this weekend, as the lack of moonlight increases visibility in the night sky.
Just like in May, the auroras can be observed alongside other astronomical events, such as the passage of Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas , also known as the comet of the century . This celestial body will reach its peak visibility during the same period, making this weekend a unique astronomical opportunity.
Get ready for a spectacular night : conditions are favorable for seeing both the auroras and the comet.
What to expect this weekend?
With all of the above in mind, the Northern Lights are expected to illuminate Spain once again on the nights of Saturday, October 12th, and Sunday, October 13th. If conditions are right, many regions of the country will have the opportunity to admire this impressive phenomenon. Remember to follow the experts' recommendations: find a high vantage point away from light pollution, look north, and bring a camera or mobile phone with night mode to capture what the human eye might not be able to see clearly.
The night sky promises to be a unique spectacle this weekend, with the Northern Lights and the comet of the century sharing the spotlight in an astronomical event that many will certainly not want to miss.