A breathtaking display of the Northern Lights, ‘auroras borealis’, graced the skies over a significant portion of Spain tonight, spanning from Andalusia to Catalonia, Aragon, Galicia, Valencia, and even the Canary Islands. Various meteorological and astronomical observatories took to social media to share this rare celestial event.
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) confirmed in the early hours of the morning that "polar auroras are being observed at very low latitudes in the northern hemisphere, including Spain," with "a multitude of photographs testifying to this phenomenon."
The Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands captured stunning images from the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma. Additionally, breathtaking photos were obtained from Tenerife, specifically at El Teide, with one shared by user @Zeworldphoto.
On the social network X, the State Meteorological Agency explained in the early hours of the morning that, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), an aurora is an electro meteor consisting of a luminous phenomenon that appears in the upper layers of the atmosphere in the form of arcs, bands, or curtains.
Unlike typical meteorological phenomena, auroras form much higher up in the atmosphere, usually at an altitude of between 90 and 150 kilometres, due to the interaction between solar wind and Earth's magnetic field.
This unusual occurrence has captivated residents and enthusiasts alike, offering a rare opportunity to witness the natural wonder of the Northern Lights from unexpected locations. The event serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of our planet's atmosphere, captivating hearts and minds across Spain.
