On Sunday it was also possible to see northern lights in Germany. This is how the spectacular natural spectacle happened.
Washington – The probability of seeing northern lights in Germany was exceptionally increased on the weekend (October 29th to October 31st, 2021): According to weather experts, a strong solar flare on Thursday (October 28th, 2021) is the reason for this.
Solar flares are sudden bursts of radiation on the sun, the central star of our planetary system, in which large quantities of high-energy particles are often thrown into space. These particles – mostly electrons – hit oxygen atoms, bring them to a higher energy level and thus glow. This reaction happens at an altitude of about 100 kilometers.
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The glow can then be seen primarily as a movement of white or greenish veils. The electrons can only move along the earth’s magnetic field lines. Since these field lines are bundled at the north and south poles of the earth and run perpendicular to the earth’s surface, polar lights can mainly be observed in a ring-shaped zone around the poles of the earth.
In the middle latitudes, the natural spectacle can only be seen when on the sun – as is the case now – extraordinarily strong and numerous eruptions occur. Because then so many particles penetrate the atmosphere that they also hit lower-lying magnetic lines.
The US space agency Nasa and the space weather agency of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) announced that the energy emitted by the eruption could also have negative consequences. The radiation is harmless for humans, but “if it is intense enough, it can disturb the atmosphere in the layer in which GPS and communication signals are transmitted,” said NASA. However, the start of the German Esa astronaut Matthias Maurer to the ISS space station, which is planned for Sunday, is not in danger.
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According to NOAA, Thursday’s event was a solar flare of the highest category X. Within this strongest category X, however, it was only given the lowest level 1. According to NASA, an eruption with the strength X2 is twice as strong as the one that has now occurred. But only from X10, i.e. ten times the strength, does the space agency speak of an “unusually intense” eruption. Polar lights are the positive aspect of a solar storm. But solar flares can also be dangerous for the earth. Normally the atmosphere and the magnetic field protect the earth from solar storms, but very strong eruptions can still have noticeable effects on the earth. During the strongest solar storm recorded so far (“Carrington event” of 1859), the northern lights were seen in Rome and Hawaii, and the telegraph network in North America and Europe was temporarily out of order.
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The working group Meteore eV recommends to observe the northern lights: The chosen location should have as little light as possible. Areas north of major cities or rural areas far from the light are best. If you have the opportunity, you should go to the North or Baltic Sea, as there is almost no light pollution to the north.
Weather phenomenon: Photographing aurora borealis in Germany
In addition, the air above the sea is usually clearer and the probability of fog is therefore low. For everyone else, it makes sense to look for an elevated location. On the other hand, ground fog often occurs in fields. An elevated location also enables a clearer view of the horizon.
Since only polar lights from the northern polar region can be observed in Germany, the view must be turned to the north. With very strong aurora events it can happen that the aurora travels over us or sometimes even to the south. However, most of the northern lights show up near the horizon in a northerly direction.
Photograph polar lights with remote control
As the Meteors Working Group recommends, a camera that allows long exposure times is necessary to take pictures of the northern lights. The ISO value should also be manually adjustable. It is also helpful to use a remote release to avoid camera shake.
The camera should be placed on a tripod and facing north. The moon, bright planets or street lights are suitable for focusing in the dark. Once the focus has been set, it should not be changed afterwards. The autofocus should therefore be switched off. If everything is prepared, it is advisable to press the shutter button fully and let the camera run until the end of the exposure time. (dpa / na)
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