Aurora Borealis lights up the skies across the Region of Murcia

Strong solar activity made the northern lights visible in Cieza, Moratalla and other parts of southern Spain

Murcia isn’t a place you expect to see the northern lights, but this week the sky put on a rare show. A strong solar storm lit up the night, with auroras spotted in places like the Almorchón road in Cieza and near La Risca Reservoir in Moratalla.

The beautiful solar show happened late on Monday and into early Tuesday, January 20. The next day, social media was flooded with pictures of the skies streaked green and red. A sighting of the northern lights this far south is rare, although not unprecedented. Similar auroras were seen in Spain and other parts of Europe in 2024 and 2025, when strong solar storms pushed the lights beyond their usual Arctic range.

Experts say this happens because the Sun is near the peak of its 11-year cycle, which makes strong flares and solar storms more likely. These storms can push the northern lights further south than usual. While it’s impressive to see, the solar storm can impact satellites, aviation, and spacecraft. People on the ground generally don’t notice any direct impact, apart from the chance to see the northern lights further south than usual.

The lucky ones who caught the Aurora Borealis on camera were quick to share the images. Antonio Sevilla captured the aurora in Moratalla, showing it glowing over the reservoir. In areas with little or no light pollution and looking north, the lights were clearly visible. Meanwhile, Isabel Aroca shared stunning photos from Cieza. 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Isa Aroca (@isa_aroca_)

The Sun has been very active lately, with powerful flares and coronal mass ejections. For a few hours this week, Murcia got a taste of a sky show normally only seen much further north. It wasn’t just Murcia, during the same storm, bright northern lights were reported in parts of Ireland, including Galway, Mayo, and Leitrim, with faint glows visible even further south. People in Denmark also saw the auroral activity, showing just how far these strong solar storms can reach.

Images: Isabel Aroca Martínez

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The Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation has star-themed events and activities to delight novices and experts of all ages

Astronomy Tours runs a whole host of astronomical activities and events in the Murcia Region, from astronomical observation sessions to a magical cruise under the stars, to really fire up an interest in the cosmic world beyond our atmosphere.

 

Their main base of operations is the Finca Astronomica, located close to the town of La Aljorra in the Campo de Cartagena, where you can join their astronomy tours either in the daytime or at night, all year round.

 

At the Finca, you’re welcomed with delicious food, drinks, a bonfire and a variety of astronomical tools and gadgets. In the summer season, they also have tours in other locations, including San Pedro del Pinatar, La Manga and Camposol, not to mention their unmissable cruise under the stars, which involves a nighttime cruise on the Mar Menor with tapas and drinks, plus a guided presentation of the night sky as you watch the galaxy glide by.

 

The Astronomy Tours and the Finca Astronomica are supported by the Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation, which was founded in 2019 by a group of astronomers and Starlight-certified guides and monitors in the astronomical observatories in Spain.

 

The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the knowledge and interest in the field of astronomy and astronomy-related sciences, which covers areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, but also history, archeology, urban and medical aspects of social life, literature, art, culture and (of course) astrology.

 

By promoting this knowledge and getting their customers interested in astronomy, the Foundation hopes to achieve higher goals such as bringing the stars a little closer to people, and helping them to understand the importance of caring about our planet and the whole human population as a one.

 

To achieve those goals, the Foundation organises its day- and nighttime activities and camps which are suitable for both children and adults, and as well as this they work with schools and organisations and write books for children to bring astronomy to the masses.

 

As part of this mission, they’re creating an astronomically themed park right on the Costa Cálida called the Astronomy and Science Centre which has an observatory available to the public to see the stars and the planets, and where they also promote ecofriendly and sustainable activities and closeness to nature.

 

The Finca Astronomica even has its own friendly and well cared for animals which live in really big spaces where people can easily enter and interact with them in their own environment.

 

What’s more, you can get involved in all sorts of other fun and activities for all the family at the Finca Astronomica, including glamping under the stars, stroking the animals at their petting zoo and enjoying sports like darts, archery, nerf gun fights, and many more.

 

This year, Finca Astronomica is excited to unveil its very own Yurt Village. Alongside the beautifully crafted wooden glamping pods, the yurts combine traditional charm with all the modern comforts including double beds, cosy carpets and plenty of shelving for your personal belongings.

But that’s not all. Each yurt comes handily equipped with light and electricity, so that you can charge your devices even as you recharge your spirit under the vast, starry sky.

This summer season is about to come alive with regular tours happening three days a week, while Adult Only Fridays are just around the corner.

 

Tours are available in English, Spanish and Polish.