Last night, various points on the peninsula were tinged with reddish and violet lights: Northern Lights visible in Spain thanks to a severe geomagnetic storm. The evolution of the solar activity suggests that The phenomenon could repeat itself tonight and perhaps tomorrow too if conditions remain the same.
The episode has been linked to multiple coronary mass ejections (CMEs) emitted after an X5.1 class eruption in the AR 4274 active region. These plasma clouds They deformed the magnetosphereallowing energetic particles to trigger light emissions at unusual latitudes, from the northern peninsula to the southeast.
Solar activity and the origin of the episode
Space weather monitoring systems confirm that Earth received two CME impacts And a third one is expected. The ESA has warned that their interaction could maintain the level of geomagnetic disturbance during the next few hours, which would increase the probability of new auroras in mid-latitudes.
Estimates point to a G4 (severe) stormenough to extend the auroral oval southward. Furthermore, initial analyses suggest a possible GLE (Ground Level Enhancement), an increase in particles detected at ground level that only occurs a few times per solar cycle and that reveals the exceptional energy of the event.
When the solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field, some of that energy is channeled into the atmosphere, where it excites atoms of oxygen and nitrogenHence the characteristic green, yellow, red and purple tones, visible as arches, curtains or undulating bands.
Where it was seen and what was captured
In Andalusia, the Calar Alto Observatory (AlmerÃa) It recorded a scarlet aurora for hours despite the presence of clouds and moonlight. Technicians consider it one of the most intense recent episodes in the region, comparable to another highlight from last May.
There were also detections in Catalonia (Montsec, Vallter), Valencian Community, Galicia and areas of Estremadura (Aldeanueva de la Vera, JaraÃz de la Vera), with a Kp index that reached values ​​between 8 and 9The glow was visible in numerous locations. between 3:00 and 4:30although many images show the best contrast around 4 a.m.
The Parc Astronòmic de Prades (Tarragona) confirmed a aurora SAR (stable auroral red arc) shortly before dawn, coinciding with the geomagnetic peak indicated by space agencies, a type of red emission that appears during intense storms and it can be seen with the naked eye.
Will the phenomenon repeat itself?
The Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics and the ESA continue to evaluate the storm evolutionWith new CMEs on the way and a very active solar environment, there is a possibility that auroras will be visible again in mid-latitudes if the conditions of the solar wind and the magnetic field align.
If the forecasts are correct, the most favorable window would be between 22:00 and 04:00It's best to look for dark, clear skies, look north, and let your eyes... adapt to the dark for a few minutes
Tips for watching it in Spain
The best options are in rural areas of northern Spain —Galicia, León, Navarre, Pyrenees—and in elevated locations away from light pollution. If it's cloudy, try moving a few kilometers or looking for clearings towards the northern horizon.
To take photos, use a camera or mobile phone in night mode with High ISO, multi-second exposure A tripod and a light source will make all the difference; the sensor captures colors that the eye doesn't always perceive intensely. Even so, in strong episodes, distinct shades can be discerned. reddish and greenish naked eye.
Impact and safety
The specialists don't wait serious consequences for everyday life, but there are occasional incidents: high-frequency radio blackouts, satellite navigation disruptions and diversions of flights near polar regions. Power grids and satellites are under preventative surveillance.
The level of activity is consistent with a storm G4 (severe)enough to expand the auroral oval without posing health risks. Teams from NOAA, ESA, and European observatories will continue monitoring in the coming hours for the possible arrival of new CMEs.
With a particularly restless Sun and several plasma ejections advancing through space, the peninsula is experiencing an unusual episode: Northern lights in Spanish latitudes visible thanks to a G4 storm. If the sky cooperates, tonight will be another good opportunity to look north and enjoy the sky.
