On the night of January 19 to 20, bright Northern Lights were visible in large parts of the Netherlands. This was caused by a solar eruption a day earlier, which ejected plasma at high speed from the sun towards the Earth. Upon arrival near Earth, this caused a strong geomagnetic storm.
The Northern Lights are caused by our Earths magnetic field being significantly disturbed. Many particles in that field are then directed towards the poles where they collide with our atmosphere. This releases light. Depending on the altitude, the color is either red or green. Besides the plasma, fast particles from the sun also arrived. These caused disruptions in long-distance radio communication around the poles. This impacted northern flights.
Besides the Northern Lights being visible in the northern direction with a red and green glow, this time there was also a bright green band visible directly above the Netherlands. This indicates that it was a fairly strong geomagnetic storm, with the aurora appearing much further south than usual.
When is there another chance to see the Northern Lights?
For now, there is no new chance for Northern Lights
The active region on the sun is still present, but at the moment there are no indications of a new eruption towards Earth. For now, there is no new chance for Northern Lights, but that can always change.
Warnings for space weather
The KNMI warns vital sectors about the effects of extreme space weather, such as the loss of long-distance radio communication in aviation. We monitor the situation in space and raise awareness among vital sectors about possible effects. Extreme space weather events occur only a few times per century. But because even more extreme space weather has been measured in the past and because our technology keeps changing, it is important to remain vigilant. The KNMI also contributes to international scientific research on space weather.