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Skywatchers across Spain might soon be in for a rare treat. Scientists are predicting that the northern lights could be visible from parts of the country later this month, including areas of Andalucía.

 

The ethereal display, usually only seen under Scandinavian skies, could appear between Monday October 20 and Wednesday October 29, thanks to strong geomagnetic activity expected from the Sun. Experts believe the Kp index, which measures the strength of geomagnetic storms, could reach level 6 - the point at which auroras have previously been bright enough to dance across Spanish skies.

 

Veteran astronomers are already keeping a close eye on solar data. A similar storm last year turned the night skies pink and green over León and Madrid’s Sierra de Guadarrama, sparking excitement among photographers and stargazers alike. This time, they say, the display could reach even further south.

 

Auroras occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s magnetic field, releasing energy that lights up the upper atmosphere in shades of green, red, purple or blue. The colour depends on the altitude and the type of gas being energised at the time.

 

If all goes well, and the skies stay clear, some of the best viewing spots in Spain could include:

 

Regions such as Navarra and Castilla y León could also see faint traces if the storm gathers more strength.

 

Astronomers recommend getting far from city lights and finding an open, dark spot such as a mountain viewpoint, remote beach or national park. The best time to look up? Around midnight until the early hours, when the sky is darkest and the glow most likely to appear.

 

So, if you happen to be in one of these areas in Spain, keep an eye on the forecasts – and your camera ready. Nights like this don’t come around often.

 

 

Image: Pixabay