Aurs shining over Saxony: An unusual sight of the Aurora Borealis
In an extraordinary event, residents and visitors in Riesa, Germany were treated to a stunning display of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) on Sunday night. This natural phenomenon, usually only visible in Scandinavia, is incredibly rare in Saxony due to its mid-latitude location.
Stefan Schwager, a member of the Riesa Observatory, captured some breathtaking photos of the event. The movement of the display was slow and vertical, with the rays moving across the sky in a mesmerizing dance. The colors observed were strong red and green hues, as well as bright vertical rays, making for a truly spectacular sight.
The occurrence of the Northern Lights in Saxony is dependent on several factors. Strong geomagnetic storms are required to push the auroral oval further south towards Saxony. Clear, dark skies away from city light pollution and minimal cloud cover, especially during the autumn and winter months when nights are longest, also play a crucial role. Solar activity peaks, typically around the 11-year solar cycle maxima, also increase the chances of witnessing this magical spectacle.
Despite these conditions, sightings in Saxony are very rare and unpredictable, occurring potentially a few times per solar cycle, mainly during intense geomagnetic events. Most residents of Saxony never witness strong Northern Lights, unlike their counterparts in northern countries.
For reliable aurora viewing in Europe, one should travel much further north, such as to Finnish Lapland (Saariselkä) or northern Norway. Saxony is far from the auroral zone, so although theoretically possible, auroras there are exceptional and not regular seasonal phenomena.
Stefan Schwager, who has been observing the skies for many years, mentioned that the display he witnessed was particularly clear, as he hasn't seen such a vibrant display over Saxony since 2003. The event sparked great enthusiasm among the guests in Riesa, making it an unforgettable night for all who were lucky enough to witness it.
As we look forward, Stefan Schwager expects a similar display of the Northern Lights in the coming night, providing another opportunity for those in Riesa to experience this rare and beautiful natural phenomenon.
Science and space-and-astronomy enthusiasts in Riesa, Germany may have the chance to witness another display of the Northern Lights, as Stefan Schwager, a member of the Riesa Observatory, expects a similar event in the coming night. In weather conditions that are clear, dark, and free of city light pollution, the vibrant colors of the Northern Lights can light up the night sky.
