Although it is impossible to predict exactly when the northern lights will be visible, there is more hope than usual of seeing this beautiful spectacle in a couple of weeks. This is because the Earth's magnetic field receives more of the energy needed to create the aurora borealis at the spring equinox.
The northern and southern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are an optical phenomenon that occurs in the upper atmosphere, where bright, moving patches of coloured light can be seen in the night sky. It is caused by collisions between charged particles from the Sun, known as the solar wind, and particles in the Earth's atmosphere. When this solar energy reaches the atmosphere, it reacts with oxygen and nitrogen to create the greenish-reddish colours we associate with the northern lights.
Why Are the Northern Lights More Visible on the Equinox?
The closer you are to the North or South Pole, the more often you can see these lights. However, at lower latitudes, this phenomenon can be observed when the right conditions coincide.
The most favourable time is usually during the spring and autumn equinoxes, when day and night are of equal length, as the Earth is not tilted relative to the Sun. Without tilt, the magnetic field of the solar wind pulls the Earth's magnetic field closer and more energy enters the atmosphere, creating stronger auroras.
So, be ready to admire the evening sky around 20 March!
This year, the auroras should still be quite strong around the solstice, as we are close to the peak of the Sun's energy cycle. The Sun operates on an approximately 11-year cycle of magnetic activity, alternating between quiet (minimum) and stormy (maximum) phases.
The current cycle began in December 2019 and reached its maximum phase in October 2024. Due to numerous geomagnetic storms, 2024 was an especially good year for observing the aurora borealis. According to NASA, the Earth experienced the strongest magnetic storm in two decades in May, which likely caused the strongest aurora borealis in the last 500 years.
The good aurora watching period should continue this year, after which solar activity will begin to decline.
Enjoy watching the amazing auroras!
Your Starstore.eu team
