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.
The northern lights are often difficult to see., especially in Spain, but the solar storm forecast 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 Aurora borealis They are the result of the interaction between charged particles from the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field. These particles, when they come into contact with the atmosphere, produce coloured lights that illuminate the sky. This phenomenon is usually seen in areas close to the Arctic Circle, such as Norway or Iceland. However, the current intense solar activity is allowing the aurora borealis to move towards lower latitudes, and this is giving us the possibility of seeing them in places where it was almost impossible before, such as Spain.
How are northern lights formed? To better understand this phenomenon, it is interesting to delve deeper into the processes that cause it and how solar activity influences its occurrence.
Last May, the country's skies were already lit up with green and pink hues in places as unexpected as the Montsec in Catalonia, Mallorca or Valladolid. And now, after only 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, as long as conditions allow. best areas to observe them They are those with little 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 on previous occasions? The experience of May and other similar events shows us that, under 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 to track auroral 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 well explain, NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory, Aurora borealis are caused by intense coronal mass ejections that occur during the highest peaks of solar activity. Right now, the Floorsaws It is in a period of maximum activity, and this increase in the emission of charged particles increases the probability of seeing auroras at low latitudes.
This period of maximum activity is causing the Sun's magnetic field to emit large quantities of charged particles that end up interacting with the atmosphere of our planet, thus creating the lights we know as auroras. In addition, this type of phenomenon is more frequent in times of new moons, like the one we expect this weekend, since the lack of moonlight increases visibility in the night sky.
As in May, the auroras can be observed along with other astronomical events, such as the passage of the Tsuchinshan-Atlas comet, also known as the comet of the centuryThis celestial body will reach its maximum visibility during the same days, making this weekend an unrepeatable astronomical opportunity.
Get ready for a spectacular night: Conditions are favorable for viewing both the auroras and the comet.
What to expect this weekend?
With all the above, it is expected that the Northern lights illuminate Spain again on the nights of Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October. If the conditions are right, many regions of the country will have the opportunity to admire this impressive phenomenon. Remember to follow the recommendations of the experts: find a high place away from light pollution, look towards the north and bring a camera or mobile phone with night mode to capture what the human eye may not be able to see very well.
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.