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New northern lights over Germany? Solar activity causes excitement!
Current solar activity could lead to new northern lights in Germany. Experts warn of geomagnetic storms.
New northern lights over Germany? Solar activity causes excitement!
An exciting time lies ahead, as the active sun is once again making a name for itself. In the last week, a sunny region produced a whopping 25 class M flares - these are decent conditions for an impressive natural phenomenon! However, this extremely active region is now leaning towards the side of the sun facing away from Earth, which makes observation more difficult. Nevertheless, we can hope for spectacular light displays that could soon dance across the skies of Germany. Loud fr.de Experts keep an eye on solar activity and can predict it to a certain extent.
In recent months we have already had the pleasure of experiencing an almost unforgettable northern light in May 2024, triggered by a huge solar storm. Such spectacles are rare, but they do happen. Since May in question, sporadic northern lights have occurred again and again, but no comparison has been observed. That could change now that the flares include the potential for geomagnetic storms. These are triggered when an additional phenomenon occurs: coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which interact with the Earth's magnetic field. Not only does this lead to the beautiful lights in the sky, but it can also influence technology on Earth.
A look into the future
NASA has also weighed in, predicting that the current period of maximum solar activity could last another year or so. This phase typically lasts three to four years and we have been in the middle of it for about two years. During this time we can observe colorful auroras across much of the globe, as recently seen in Germany, the US, the UK and even over the Mediterranean. Solar activity, on the other hand, fluctuates in an approximately eleven-year cycle, so we are in for more spectacles like this zeit.de reported.
During these solar events, the sun throws huge amounts of electrically charged particles into space, which can have numerous effects when they encounter the Earth's magnetic field. This can not only be the impressive northern lights, but also potential disruptions to technologies such as GPS or power grids. The US weather agency NOAA warned urgently about the possible effects of extremely strong solar storms, which have already led to considerable chaos and power outages in the past.
Overall, solar activity promises an exciting time for everyone who is enthusiastic about the wonders of nature. Maybe we in Cologne will soon be able to enjoy these magical light effects again. Let's keep our eyes open and trust in the good hands of the scientists who keep us up to date on developments on the sun.