It may come as a surprise, but the Northern Lights are no longer confined to Arctic regions. Traditionally rare at mid-latitudes, auroras have occasionally appeared over southern Europe during periods of exceptional solar activity.
In May 2024, a powerful geomagnetic storm turned the skies of Mallorca and other parts of Spain into a vivid display of green, pink, and violet—an event not witnessed in Spain since 2003.
The spectacle was driven by what scientists call a “cannibal solar storm.” When the Sun releases two coronal mass ejections in rapid succession, the faster second ejection overtakes the first, releasing a surge of energy. This energises particles in the Earth’s atmosphere, producing auroras visible far from the poles. In the most intense events, the auroral oval can extend south to the Iberian Peninsula, turning the night sky into a rare celestial display.
Auroras are rare in Spain, but the May 2024 storm drew thousands of photographers as magenta and green skies appeared across the country. AEMET reported a Kp index of 8, enough for naked-eye visibility.
Looking ahead, astrophysicists say the next peak of the current solar cycle, expected between 2025 and 2026, could bring further displays. Experts advise keeping an eye on geomagnetic alerts when the Kp index exceeds 7. Should conditions align parts of Spain could become prime vantage points, assuming clear skies and minimal light pollution.