During the night of November 6, 2023, the Cáceres region of Extremadura experienced a display of vibrant colors that illuminated the night sky. These impressive red flashes were none other than the northern lights, which are normally seen in the polar regions, but this time they appear in a much more unexpected place. Curiously, this phenomenon was not limited only to Cáceres. It could also be witnessed in several regions of Central Europe, including parts of Italy, France, Slovakia, Ireland and Poland. The fact that these impressive lights ventured so far from their usual haunt raises intriguing questions. Why are there northern lights in Spain?
In this article we are going to tell you why there are northern lights in Spain and how to see them.
Solar storms
The phenomenon of the northern lights on Earth can be attributed to solar storms, scientifically called geomagnetic storms, that take place on our star. Located 150 million kilometers from our planet, The Sun continually releases particles due to the higher pressure on its surface compared to the space around it. These particles escape effortlessly and gain speed, driven by the influence of the sun's magnetic field. Discover how the Earth's magnetic field generates the Northern Lights to better understand this phenomenon.
In the vast expanse of space there exists a phenomenon called the solar wind, a collection of charged particles known as ions. These particles embark on a journey, traversing the cosmos and eventually encountering various celestial bodies, including our own Earth. With incredible speed, these particles race through space at speeds ranging between 300 and 1.000 km/s. Surprisingly, these particles take just two or three days to arrive from their point of origin, integrate perfectly into the solar wind and, finally, reach our planet.
Northern Lights
As charged particles head toward Earth, the Earth's magnetic field becomes more significant. It works like a magnet, capturing these particles in the outer regions of the atmosphere and attracting them towards the poles. In these regions, The atmosphere contains several molecules of oxygen and nitrogen, which provides ample opportunities for solar particles to interact with these elements. This interaction leads to the excitation and elevation of the energy states in these molecules.
In a matter of just millionths of a second, the process occurs. However, in that short period of time, the highly unstable oxygen and nitrogen molecules quickly return to their fundamental states, become de-excited, and give up the energy acquired in the form of photons, the particles responsible for generating light. The coloration of the sky is determined by the wavelength and intensity of these emitted photons, giving rise to various tones that color our vision.
The reason the northern lights typically occur in the polar regions of our planet is due to the interaction of the magnetic field with the solar wind, which causes it to be attracted towards the poles. As a result, it is in these regions that particles will encounter molecules, causing them to be excited and resulting in a vibrant display of colors in the sky.
Why are there northern lights in Spain?
The reason for the appearance of the northern lights in unexpected places is due to a major solar storm, specifically a powerful geomagnetic storm, that occurred over the weekend. Within this event, the Sun undergoes strong magnetic reconnection processes that alter the arrangement of solar material and lead to increased release of particles as well as a moderate amount of plasma. Northern lights in Spain, a rare spectacle that could be repeated.
The combination of these factors generates a solar wind that has a higher density than usual. When this solar wind reaches Earth, shows a greater ability to interact with the magnetic field, which produces a slight modification and prevents the complete redirection of the charged particles towards the polar regions. Consequently, these particles can persist in different sections of the atmosphere, where they can interact with oxygen and nitrogen molecules, eventually producing auroras in regions far from the poles.
Should we be worried about the potential dangers posed by a powerful geomagnetic storm? There is no need to panic. It is a natural fact that the Sun's activity fluctuates over time. This variability is attributed to solar cycles, which typically last between 10 and 12 years. As we approach the end of the current solar cycle, solar activity is expected to intensify. In fact, The peak of this cycle is expected to occur in 2025Therefore, the presence of strong solar winds is completely normal. Similar phenomena are very likely to occur in the coming years as we approach the end of the solar cycle.
When to see them?
From late August until spring 2025, people will be able to enjoy the fascinating display of this celestial phenomenon. However, the winter months, which run from October to March, will undoubtedly provide the most optimal conditions for viewing. During an astonishing 200 nights a year, The Northern Lights will perform graceful pirouettes across the sky, enchanting the lucky souls who witness this impressive spectacle.
To witness the spectacle of the Northern Lights, you must escape the confines of light pollution and venture to the northern regions of the country where the night sky remains untouched by artificial lighting. Optimal locations for this ethereal experience include Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country and Navarra, where the unique combination of geography and climate creates the ideal conditions for its visibility. Furthermore, the phenomenon will reappear in Extremadura.
A useful tool to identify areas with minimal light pollution is the Light Pollution Map, which highlights specific locations, such as the coastal region between Elantxobe and Ondarroa in Bizkaia.
To see the Northern Lights in Spain, you have to be very patient. Keep in mind that they're not easily visible, especially in our area. I hope this information helps you learn more about why you see the Northern Lights in Spain and how to view them.
