Northern Lights over Austria – Will the spectacle enter the next round? – 5 minutes

Auroras, also known as Aurora Borealis (in the north) or Aurora Australis (in the south), are magnificent light phenomena that occur in the sky when charged particles from the solar wind collide with the Earth's atmosphere. The result? A beautiful play of color makes the sky come alive with glowing ribbons, arcs and swirls.

When the sun goes through periods of ups and downs, so-called solar storms can occur. These storms send a stream of charged particles, also known as the solar wind, into space. When these winds hit the Earth's atmosphere, the particles are deflected by the Earth's magnetic fields and end up near the poles. There they collide with gases in the atmosphere, causing an impressive light spectacle.

The best chances of seeing the northern lights are near the poles, such as in Scandinavia, Canada, Alaska or, as on Friday, May 10, 2024, in parts of Austria. Ideally, the nights should be dark and the skies clear. Additionally, the probability increases during the winter months when nights are longer and darker.

The Kp index is a measure of geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9 and indicates how strongly the solar wind affects Earth. The higher the value, the more intense the northern lights are and can be observed in the south.

Usually not. The aurora borealis is a harmless natural phenomenon that shows the beauty of the sky. However, severe solar storms can disrupt communications and power grids and affect satellites. Fortunately, such events are rare and their effects are monitored by scientists.

The northern lights are not only visually impressive, they also have cultural and spiritual significance for many people. They have been immortalized in myths and legends and have captivated humanity since time immemorial. Their fluid colors and unexpected appearance make them one of the most fascinating natural phenomena we can observe.