Spain could be treated to a light show usually reserved for the Arctic Circle, as scientists warn of a geomagnetic storm strong enough to bring the aurora borealis into view across the peninsula – including parts of Andalucia.
The phenomenon, long thought exclusive to Scandinavian skies, is edging south once again thanks to heightened solar activity expected in late October.
Experts say the northern lights could be visible between October 20 and 29, 2025, with the Kp index (the global benchmark for geomagnetic storms) predicted to hit level 6.
That’s the threshold at which auroras have previously lit up Spanish skies.
Veteran astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts are already watching the data closely. A similar event lit up parts of León and Madrid’s Sierra de Guadarrama in May 2024, and now hopes are high for another encore.
Auroras are triggered when charged particles from the Sun are unleashed during solar flares known as coronal mass ejections and slam into Earth’s magnetosphere. That energy transfer excites molecules in the upper atmosphere, releasing visible light in colors that range from green and red to purple and blue, depending on altitude and the type of gas involved.
If skies stay clear and light pollution is low, these are the top spots where Spaniards may catch a glimpse:
- Galicia: Especially Lugo and the A Mariña coast, thanks to low light pollution and high latitude.
- Andalucía: Mountain areas in northern Cadiz could be just dark and high enough to catch the glow.
- Zaragoza: The open Ebro valley and rural outskirts offer promising viewing conditions.
- Catalonia: Coastal and pre-Pyrenean areas are well-positioned, weather permitting.
Other northern regions like Navarra or Castilla y Leon aren’t ruled out but face slimmer odds unless the storm intensifies further.
Catching the aurora means being in the right place at the right time, and that place is dark. Find a spot far from urban lights, such as mountain lookouts, remote beaches, or national parks. Midnight to early morning offers the best odds.
Track solar and weather conditions in real time via apps or meteorological agencies like AEMET. Keep an eye on the Kp index (anything above 5 is worth paying attention to).
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
