Image from Wikimedia
Around midnight on Tuesday, skies across different parts of the world were illuminated by vibrant colours and shimmering lights — the result of the most powerful solar storm of the year, known as the “cannibal storm.” The phenomenon allowed the Northern Lights to be seen far beyond polar regions, colouring the horizon in countries across Europe, North America, and even further south, where such a spectacle is considered extremely rare.
The so-called “cannibal storm” occurs when multiple coronal mass ejections expelled by the Sun collide with one another, intensifying the magnetic field of the particles directed towards Earth. When these particles interact with the planet’s atmosphere, they create the distinctive glow in shades of green, pink, violet, and blue that fills the sky with light and wonder.
Although the peak of the phenomenon was recorded on Tuesday night, scientists say that geomagnetic conditions remain active — meaning new appearances of the Northern Lights could occur again over the coming days in different parts of the planet.
Experts remind us that we are approaching the peak of the solar cycle, expected in 2026, which explains the increase in the frequency and intensity of these storms. Even so, there is no cause for concern: there is no danger to humanity, only occasional minor disruptions to communications and satellites.
Events like this serve as a poetic reminder that, no matter how advanced human technology becomes, nature continues to astonish us with its beauty and mystery — inviting us to look up at the sky and rediscover the wonder of the unknown.
