Northern lights may again be visible over the Czech Republic this weekend

The phenomenon of aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, may once again be visible in the Czech Republic this weekend due to recent solar eruptions that released plasma clouds aimed partially toward Earth.

According to astronomer Petr Horálek from the Institute of Physics in Opava, speaking to Czech News Agency, the last opportunity to witness this stunning natural spectacle in the country was during the summer holidays.

Horálek noted that in the past two days, the Sun experienced significant eruptions. The first eruption occurred on Oct. 2, followed by an even stronger event the following day. Both eruptions generated plasma clouds that are heading toward Earth, with the second eruption being the most potent of the current solar cycle.

This event is expected to produce strong auroras, particularly overnight from Saturday to Sunday. While the exact timing of the auroras is difficult to predict, Horálek encourages interested observers to keep an eye on solar wind activity.

"The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the USA predicts G3-class storms, with the aurora borealis noticeable or even visible in our country," Horálek tells Czech News Agency.

"However, the only problem is the unfavorable weather; cloud cover may clear, particularly in the Karlovy Vary region and around Rakovník. In Slovakia, this applies to the Low Tatras and the east. But the forecast is still changing."

The astronomer pointed out that while people in the Czech Republic and Slovakia might have a chance to see the auroras, they should not expect to witness the vivid displays characteristic of northern lights with the naked eye.

Typically, the lights are faint and can only be captured in photographs; they are challenging to see in real-time through the human eye, largely due to excessive light pollution from urban areas. In May, astronomers were able to capture spectacular photos of the northern lights over Czechia.

For those eager to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis this weekend, Horálek recommends using aurora monitoring websites like solarham.com or spaceweatherlive.com, or utilizing the Aurora Alerts mobile app.

The aurora borealis is considered one of nature's most beautiful spectacles. While common in polar regions, it is usually quite faint in the Czech Republic, where inexperienced observers might mistake it for light pollution or remnants of a sunset.