Rare Red Auroras Captivate Observers Across Spain and Europe
The night of November 11 brought a breathtaking celestial show across much of Europe, North America, and Central America, as brilliant red auroras illuminated the skies. From Spain to Scandinavia, photographers and stargazers witnessed the rare Stable Aurora Red (SAR) arcs — a phenomenon created by solar storms interacting with Earth’s magnetic field at high altitudes.
In Spain, the red aurora, or “aurora roja,” appeared as a crimson glow near the northern horizon. Though faint to the naked eye, cameras captured the spectacle vividly, revealing streaks of red light dancing above observatories and mountain peaks. Experts say these red auroras could reappear in the coming nights, as the Sun continues its phase of heightened activity.
What Causes the Red Aurora Phenomenon?
The recent solar flare from an active region known as AR14274 triggered a massive coronal mass ejection (CME) — a burst of charged particles traveling through space at speeds up to 1,800 km/s. When these particles reach Earth, they interact with the planet’s magnetic field and collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, creating the aurora effect.
Normally, auroras appear green, pink, or purple — colors produced by oxygen and nitrogen molecules at lower altitudes. However, the red aurora forms much higher, where oxygen atoms emit red light as they release energy. This makes the aurora roja particularly special, as it glows faintly but spreads across vast portions of the sky.
“These SAR arcs are a kind of distant reflection of the polar auroras we see at higher latitudes,” explained astrophysicist Josep M. Trigo Rodríguez of the CSIC/IEEC. “They tend to appear during strong geomagnetic activity — and we are now at a solar maximum, meaning more of these events are likely.”
The Science Behind the Solar Storm
Solar storms are not uncommon, but the intensity of the recent flare has caught the attention of scientists. When the Sun releases a coronal mass ejection, it sends a wave of electrically charged particles — primarily protons and helium nuclei — streaming toward Earth. These particles become trapped in the Van Allen radiation belts, which protect the planet from direct exposure.
Once channeled along Earth’s magnetic field lines, the particles crash into the atmosphere near the poles, giving rise to auroras borealis in the north and auroras australis in the south.
As this latest solar activity strengthens, scientists warn that geomagnetic storms could also cause disruptions to satellite communications, GPS systems, and power grids — though for now, the effects remain largely visual and harmless.
Where and When to See the Next Red Auroras
According to experts, auroras may continue over the next few nights, particularly in northern Spain, France, Germany, and Scandinavia. The Kp index — which measures geomagnetic activity — indicates a high probability of visible auroras through November 13 and 14.
Astrophotographers are encouraged to set up their cameras after sunset, ideally facing north with clear skies and minimal light pollution. Even smartphone users can capture the aurora roja using long-exposure settings or night mode.
Live monitoring of auroral activity is available via resources like the University of Kyoto’s geomagnetic tracker and Spain’s Heliomon platform, which provides real-time space weather updates.
A Rare Opportunity for Skywatchers
The recent aurora roja serves as both a scientific wonder and a natural spectacle. Such displays are rare in southern Europe and typically occur only during periods of extreme solar activity. As the Sun approaches the peak of its 11-year cycle, astronomers expect more dazzling auroras to grace the skies in 2025 and 2026.
For scientists, these events offer valuable insights into solar physics and Earth’s magnetosphere. For the public, they’re a humbling reminder of our planet’s connection to the cosmic forces of space.
“Every time we see the sky turn red with light, it’s the Sun reminding us of its power,” said Trigo. “We are witnessing energy from 150 million kilometers away, painted across our atmosphere.”
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