Aurora borealis lights up Catalan skies after intense solar flare

The aurora borealis was seen last night in various parts of Catalonia.

The phenomenon arrived thanks to an intense solar flare that released particles that interact with the Earth's atmosphere, where they activate chemical elements and emit light of different colors.

According to the director of the Montsec Astronomical Park, Salvador Ribas, the phenomenon started around 3am last night and remained visible until around dawn.

The director says the astronomical phenomenon could be repeated with greater intensity this evening.

“We have to be very attentive because there's a good chance of seeing it again," Ribas said.

He also recalled that since May 2024, the northern lights have been visible because we are in a cycle of maximum solar activity.

The phenomenon that took place this morning was not as intense as that of May last year, but it could be seen from points such as the Montsec Astronomical Park or the FGC Vallter station.

A violet and lilac coloration was seen on the horizon, with pink tones at some point, but mainly lilac.

According to Ribas, since the area of ​​the sun where the eruption took place is active, more solar material is expected to arrive in the coming hours and, therefore, the phenomenon will be repeated this evening.

Ribas clarified, however, that we will have to be aware of clouds covering the sky, since to see the northern lights you need a very dark and clear sky.

The predictions indicate that there will be some clouds tonight, but Ribas believes that it is worth trying to see the northern lights by looking for “some gap.”

For best chances of catching a glimpse of the rare sight, you have to look north and hope that you're lucky.