Poland is set to witness a spectacular natural phenomenon as the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, is predicted to illuminate the skies once again. Following a geomagnetic storm that began on April 15, 2025, enthusiasts across the country are gearing up for what could be an unforgettable night of celestial beauty.
On Tuesday evening, April 15, the aurora made a brief appearance in northern Poland, but cloud cover hindered visibility. However, forecasts indicate that conditions will improve significantly tonight, April 16, allowing for clearer skies and a better chance to see the lights. Karol Wójcicki, a well-known astronomy promoter and author of the blog "Z głową w gwiazdach," noted, "If conditions persist, the phenomenon should appear immediately after dusk." He emphasized that tonight's aurora is "guaranteed to be visible from practically all of Poland."
Wójcicki explained that the current geomagnetic storm, rated at G3 and possibly escalating to G4, is responsible for the heightened chances of auroral displays. He stated, "Such good conditions for observation have not been present for several months," urging people to prepare for a night of stargazing. The aurora is expected to be visible not just in the northern provinces but also in the south, from Suwałki to Bieszczady and from the Baltic Sea to Silesia.
The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth's atmosphere, creating a dazzling light display. The colors of the aurora depend on the gases involved in these collisions: oxygen produces green and red lights, while nitrogen emits blue and violet hues. Wójcicki explained that the Bz parameter, which influences auroral activity, is currently holding steady at -15 to -20 nT. "If nothing changes, the aurora will be visible to the naked eye—not just as a faint glow, but as a fully-fledged phenomenon with color and structure, quite high above the horizon," he added.
For optimal viewing, Wójcicki recommends heading out of the city to areas with minimal artificial light. "Pack your backpacks, charge your cameras, and head north of the city," he advised. "The view of the northern horizon should be unobstructed by buildings or streetlights." He also noted that tonight's conditions are particularly favorable, with temperatures expected to remain between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius, making it a warm night for observers.
As the excitement builds, many are reflecting on how far Poland has come in terms of aurora visibility. Just a few years ago, seeing the northern lights required traveling to Norway or other northern countries. Now, thanks to increased solar activity and geomagnetic storms, the aurora has become a more frequent sight across Poland.
The current solar cycle has reached its peak, resulting in a greater number of charged particles being ejected towards Earth. This increase in solar activity has expanded the auroral zone, allowing for sightings further south than usual. Wójcicki explained that the recent strong plasma ejections from the sun on April 12 and 13 have contributed to this phenomenon, potentially leading to geomagnetic storms that reach G4 levels on the NOAA scale.
Tonight's aurora is not just a chance to witness a beautiful natural display; it also represents a growing interest in astronomy and the natural sciences among the Polish public. As more people become aware of the conditions that lead to auroral displays, there is a rising demand for alerts and information on when and where to see the lights. Wójcicki has become a key figure in this movement, providing real-time updates and forecasts through social media and his blog.
As the day progresses, the excitement is palpable. With the moon not set to rise until after midnight, the skies will be darker, enhancing the visibility of the aurora. Wójcicki has encouraged everyone to stay vigilant for updates, especially if the DSCOVR probe confirms an incoming coronal mass ejection (CME). He stated, "If the forecast is confirmed, we could have the best aurora since January 2025, or even since autumn 2024."
For those planning to venture out tonight, Wójcicki has shared practical tips for maximizing the aurora viewing experience. He advises finding a location away from city lights and looking northward, as the aurora can be visible at heights of several dozen degrees above the horizon. "The darker the location, the better the view," he emphasized.
As the hours draw closer to dusk, anticipation builds across the country. Whether a seasoned stargazer or a first-time observer, the chance to witness the aurora borealis is a magical opportunity not to be missed. As Wójcicki aptly put it, "Tonight promises to be extraordinary, so get ready for a night of wonder under the stars!"
