Usually seen in other latitudes such as Iceland, an aurora borealis has once again painted the skies of Portugal in pink tones. The rare phenomenon in these parts is making headlines in various media, and several images have been shared on social networks by various users.
According to SIC Notícias, there are reports of sightings, especially in the highlands, in the north and center of Portugal, but also in the Alentejo. The origin of the rare phenomenon is due to “a severe solar storm” that hit the Earth on Thursday, October 10.
Quoted by SIC Notícias, José Afonso, president of the Portuguese Astronomical Society, explained that an electromagnetic storm of high intensity can reach ‘extreme’ levels. This scenario helps to clarify the appearance of aurora borealis in Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.
According to the same source, the phenomenon could be repeated on the night of Friday, October 11. However, rainfall forecasts could make it difficult and/or impossible to see.
Although auroras borealis are extremely rare in Portugal, in May there were sightings in various parts of the country, so the phenomenon has been repeated now.