Storms and Northern Lights: Spectacular nights in Saxony!

Storms and Northern Lights: Spectacular nights in Saxony!

A weather phenomenon is approaching in Cologne tonight, which not only keeps the meteorologists busy, but also attracts many Cologne residents to their door. Showers and sometimes severe thunderstorms will move through the region, while the sky will clear up from the west. The temperatures drop to a pleasant 16 to 12 degrees Celsius. The coming week promises rather cool weather with temperatures of up to 19 degrees Celsius before the sun returns and brings summery temperatures, as MDR reports.

A very special highlight of the last few nights were the Northern Lights, which were visible in several regions of Germany. This breathtaking sight is the result of a mass ejection of charged particles from the Sun detected by the US Atmospheric Agency NOAA. Although precise predictions are challenging, there is no denying that the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights has now increased even in mid-latitudes. According to ZDF there are even good visibility opportunities, especially in the middle of Germany and the northwest half, including North Rhine-Westphalia.

A heavenly spectacle

In the Striegistal in Central Saxony, for example, a passionate photographer took the opportunity to film the northern lights across the sky. Such sights may have been rare in recent years, but thanks to current solar activity they are now surprisingly easy to observe. Solar Cycle 25 is currently at its most active, increasing the chances of further spectacular aurorae. Experts recommend looking west to potentially catch this impressive light display.

The solar activity we are currently experiencing is not just an issue for amateur astronomers. According to Max Planck Society, auroras are a direct result of solar storms that result in bursts of charged plasma. These mass ejections can reach Earth in just a day and have the potential to trigger geomagnetic storms. The Kp index, which measures the disturbances in the earth's magnetic field, provides information about the probability of northern lights, which is currently considered to be increased.

A look into the future

The last few months have already impressively shown us what the sun can do: In May 2024, a geomagnetic storm of the highest category G5 led to an incredibly colorful spectacle in the night sky over Germany. This makes the current storm all the more exciting, as it is also considered one of the more important of the solar cycle. With such solar activity, the northern lights are not a guarantee, but they are by no means unattainable. What remains is the hope for clear nights to admire the work of the sun.

Whether a natural phenomenon or a scientific phenomenon, the Northern Lights are always a reason to look up and enjoy the night sky - especially now that the conditions are so promising. So keep your eyes peeled, maybe there will be a great spectacle to marvel at in Cologne too!