‘Aurora Borealis’ Illuminates Skies Across Germany

Citizens in Germany were treated to a rare glimpse of the Aurora Borealis on Friday night due to an unusually large solar storm.

The phenomenon, characterized by the night sky being illuminated with vibrant shades of purple, green, and turquoise, was likely visible in other areas on Saturday night as well.

The German Meteorological Service posted a picture on their website showing the Alps in southern Germany glowing pink, along with another image displaying bright light rays above the Frankfurt skyline. Additional photos were shared on social media platforms.

Experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warned of a level five solar storm on Friday, the highest level on a five-tier scale. The last time such an intense solar storm occurred was in October 2003.

The source of solar storms, which are large groups of sunspots, is about 16 times the diameter of the Earth, according to NOAA.

Many people in other countries also had the opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis, including Britain and Ireland.

The phenomenon occurs when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere around the magnetic poles.