Italy’s Economy and Politics: What to Expect in the Coming Days

Aurora Borealis: A Rare Phenomenon in Italy

On the night between the 10th and 11th of May, Italy witnessed a rather unusual phenomenon for these latitudes: we are talking about the Northern Lights.
This extraordinary event, in which the sky lights up creating a unique spectacle, caused great excitement.

Unusual Occurrence in Southern Europe

Usually, the Northern Lights are a privilege of Nordic countries such as Finland, Iceland, or even Canada, where there are organized tourist packages to witness the famous auroras lighting up the night sky with amazing colors.
However, last May, this phenomenon also occurred in Southern Europe, including Italy.
The reason? The most powerful geomagnetic storm in the last twenty years, which took place between the 10th and 12th of May.

The Science Behind the Lights

The Earth was hit by a burst of solar-charged particles that, interacting with the Earth’s ionosphere, created this spectacle.
The burst of charged particles struck the Earth’s magnetosphere, channeling them along magnetic field lines towards the poles and generating vivid auroras along the way.
The fact that there was a new moon during those days made it easier to see even the weaker auroras, as the sky was particularly dark.

Possible Aurora in June

The good news is that the May aurora borealis might not be an isolated case.
According to experts, a new aurora in June is not to be excluded.
In the first week of June, there could be new episodes of Northern Lights in unusual areas of Europe, including Italy.
Solar physicist Ryan French from the National Solar Observatory in Boulder, Colorado, pointed out: “AR3664/AR13664 is becoming visible with the Sun’s rotation and will be facing the Earth again during the New Moon on June 6.
It will align perfectly, and as soon as the sunspot begins to appear, we will enter the opportunity window to observe the auroras.”

In essence, according to the physicist, the geomagnetic storm we witnessed last month might return in the coming days.
Therefore, in the evenings ahead, pay close attention and look up to see if a new aurora borealis is happening.
Particularly be vigilant in the days leading up to the New Moon on June 6, when the sky will be darker, and even the faintest auroras might be visible to the naked eye.
It is not to be excluded that this spectacle will also occur in Italy, just like last May.

Unique Spectacle in the Sky

It’s a unique show where the sky is painted with shades ranging from red to green, with colors and intensities that can change rapidly.
Many captured unique photos on the night between the 10th and 11th of May, witnessing an incredible and rare phenomenon.
If the weather was not optimal in May, with the arrival of June, things can improve, and the show could be enjoyed by all.

Read also: Aurora Borealis in Italy today, here’s where to look to see it.