Northern lights over Neuruppin: play of colors in the sky surprises everyone!

Northern lights over Neuruppin: play of colors in the sky surprises everyone!

In January 2026, the residents of Neuruppin in Brandenburg experienced a very special natural spectacle: northern lights adorned the night sky. Usually these fascinating light phenomena, also known as aurora borealis, are seen in the higher latitudes of Scandinavia. But since 2021, northern lights have been occurring more and more frequently in Brandenburg, which is causing excitement among the population.

Why are the northern lights visible more often in Brandenburg right now? The reason lies in solar storms, during which the sun throws charged particles into space. When these particles hit the Earth's magnetic field, they are directed towards the magnetic poles. There they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in Earth's atmosphere, causing the impressive glow known to us as the auroras. The most recent sightings were made possible by a geomagnetic storm on January 11, 2026, which had a Kp value of 5.3. Loud maz-online.de Although this value is considered relatively low, it is certainly noteworthy for sightings in Brandenburg.

What is the Kp index?

The Kp index, a measure indicating the activity of the Earth's magnetic field, plays a crucial role in the visibility of auroras. It was introduced in 1949 by Julius Bartels and is based on data from 13 geomagnetic observatories worldwide. A Kp value of 6 or 7 is usually necessary to see the Northern Lights in Brandenburg, while extreme storms with values ​​of 8 or 9 offer the best opportunities for spectacular sightings. The Kp index ranges from 0 (very low) to 9 (extremely high). The detailed scale is included in an overview sonnen-sturm.info accessible.

By the way, these plays of light in the sky are not only created to please the eyes, but also have an impact on the human body. Strong geomagnetic storms can lead to health changes. Therefore, there are guides with tips on how best to protect yourself during such events. Current information about geomagnetic storms and their forecasts can be found on websites such as kpindex.de available and keep the world informed about the geomagnetic situation.

The perfect backdrop in Brandenburg

The low level of light pollution in Brandenburg facilitates the observation of these phenomenal natural phenomena. However, the northern lights are not easy to predict: a cloud-free sky and a strong solar storm are essential for the lights to actually be seen. But the persistently high solar activity within its eleven-year cycle ensures that observations are increasingly increasing.

Streams of color that illuminate the night sky impressively demonstrate the magic of nature and not only delight astronomy enthusiasts, but also captivate many onlookers. So if you don't want to miss the next geomagnetic storm, you can follow the forecasts on the Internet and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime sighting of this celestial beauty.