A strong solar storm caused, in the last 24 hours, the appearance of aurora borealis visible in regions further south than usual, including Portugal. The phenomenon resulted from the largest solar flare recorded so far in 2025 and also caused disruptions to radio communications.
The peak of activity occurred on Tuesday, prompting authorities to issue a severe solar storm warning. The aurora borealis appear when particles charged with solar radiation interact with the Earth’s atmosphere, creating intense and colorful light effects. This phenomenon was visible in several European countries, such as Spain and Switzerland, and was surprising due to its geographic extent.
The Sun is currently at the peak of an 11-year cycle, which increases the probability of the aurora borealis occurring and means that they can be seen in places normally far from the poles. Those who were unable to observe the phenomenon this time may have new opportunities, as solar activity is expected to remain high until the end of the year.
