Did you see it? Stunning Northern Lights danced across Hungary’s night sky
Hungary’s night sky offered a rare spectacle early on Tuesday: for nearly three hours, the Northern Lights danced gracefully above the foggy clouds, captured by several Időkép webcams on Prédikálószék, Naszály, and Kab Hill. The extraordinary phenomenon was visible from the Danube Bend and the Bakony region, and several people even managed to spot it with the naked eye — photos also came in from as far as Pécsvárad and Komló.
A breathtaking sky dance above the fog
Most parts of the country were covered in thick fog, so only a few cameras placed at higher altitudes could “see out” of the inversion layer. However, those cameras recorded spectacular moments: pinkish-red hues shimmered mysteriously above the clouds, and in some places, the characteristic streaks of the aurora borealis were also visible. The sight amazed not only scientists but also casual observers — after all, the Northern Lights are only visible to the naked eye in Hungary about once every 20–30 years.
The power of the Sun: X5.1 solar flare behind the phenomenon
The stunning light show was likely triggered by a massive solar flare that erupted on 11 November. The X5.1-class flare was the strongest of the year — and the most intense since the solar activity peak that began in October 2024. According to 24.hu, several smaller eruptions preceded it, together producing days of geomagnetic storms.
The flare caused a strong G3-level geomagnetic storm, powerful enough to make the aurora visible from Hungary. Measurements by Időkép indicated that the KP index reached 9, the highest and “extreme” level on the geomagnetic activity scale. Such a high level can disrupt satellite systems, GPS, and communications networks, potentially causing temporary issues with systems like Starlink satellites.
What causes the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, occur when charged particles (protons and electrons) from the Sun collide with atoms and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions release energy in the form of visible light, creating mesmerising colours across the sky. Although the phenomenon is typically confined to the polar regions, powerful solar flares can make it visible much farther south — as was the case in Hungary this week.
A three-hour wonder in the night
Webcams on Prédikálószék, Naszály, and Kab Hill continuously recorded the celestial dance until dawn on Wednesday, capturing more than three hours of glowing movement. The aurora’s gentle waves illuminated the fog layer, creating a magical display that many only discovered the next morning, realising they had slept through a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
The last time the Northern Lights were visible from Hungary was in October this year, but this latest appearance was stronger and lasted longer. Experts note that the Sun remains in an active phase, meaning more auroras could appear in the coming days — weather and cloud cover permitting.