Belgian skies could be illuminated by the aurora borealis on March 19, according to the Société Astronomique de Liège. The potential display is generating excitement among skywatchers, as geomagnetic activity increases.
The astronomical society is advising those interested to monitor their Facebook page for potential aurora alerts. This comes as a result of increased solar activity and favorable conditions for viewing the Northern Lights at lower latitudes than usual.
Two factors are contributing to the increased likelihood of seeing the aurora in Belgium, as reported by Spaceweather and cited by the Société Astronomique de Liège. On March 16, 2026, sunspot AR4392 produced a M2.7 class flare accompanied by a coronal mass ejection headed directly toward Earth.
the approaching spring equinox creates a situation where the Earth’s magnetic field is more easily connected to the solar magnetic field. This connection, known as the Russell-McPherron effect, allows even relatively weak coronal mass ejections – such as the M2.7 flare – to trigger auroral displays at mid-latitudes.
However, the Société Astronomique de Liège cautions that viewing the aurora is not guaranteed. Cloud cover and other weather conditions could obscure the display. “We are not saying that we will have the same auroral spectacle as on January 19, 2026 (which was exceptional), we are saying that it is possible to have auroras observable in photographs and possibly with the naked eye,” the society stated. The potential for such a display highlights the dynamic relationship between solar activity and Earth’s atmosphere.
