Northern Lights Possible Over Belgium Following Solar Flare
A recent solar flare has increased the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights over Belgium tonight, March 19, 2026, and potentially Saturday morning, according to predictions from the space weather website Spaceweather.
The increased chance of witnessing this natural phenomenon is due to a M2.7 class solar flare – stronger than average – which released a significant amount of charged particles toward Earth. When these particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the atmosphere, creating light displays typically seen in green or red (from oxygen) and blue or purple (from nitrogen).
While normally concentrated around the poles in regions like Scandinavia, Greenland, or Canada, strong solar flares can make the aurora visible at lower latitudes, including Belgium. This event is particularly favorable due to the timing, occurring near the spring equinox.
During an equinox, the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth are aligned in a way that allows more charged particles to enter the atmosphere, increasing the likelihood of a visible aurora. This highlights the complex interplay between solar activity and Earth’s magnetosphere, a field of study gaining increasing attention as space-based technologies become more prevalent.
The Space Weather Information Centre (STCE) notes that while the Northern Lights are a beautiful spectacle, geomagnetic storms associated with them can impact technological systems. These storms disrupt the ionosphere, a layer of the atmosphere crucial for radiocommunication. More information on the potential impacts can be found at the STCE website.
On November 12, 2025, colleagues at the STCE in Brussels observed the Northern Lights from their terrace, a rare occurrence even during the sun’s most active phase. The recent solar activity included several X-class flares, accompanied by bursts of solar plasma and high-speed particles. Measurements from magnetometers in Dourbes and Manhay, Belgium, indicate conditions favorable for visible auroras.
According to reports, the strongest solar flare of the year occurred on Tuesday, and its effects are expected to be visible tonight and into Thursday. Further details on the flare can be found here. VRT News too reports on the potential visibility of the Northern Lights.
