A large geomagnetic storm reached the Earth’s atmosphere and generated one of the longest polar light events ever recorded in the recent history of the Norwegian Ártico. The phenomenon occurred in the last week of February and presented rare characteristics of luminous pulsation for a continuous period of time.
The recording was carried out by specialist Tom Kerss during an expedition on the ship MS Trollfjord. Diferente of conventional displays, which usually last a few minutes, this activity remained visible and active for almost three consecutive hours. The intensity of the solar storm allowed chromatic variations to be observed without the aid of professional equipment at different times during the morning.
Fenômeno surpassed average duration of pulsating lights
Pulsating-type aurora borealis have an atmospheric dynamic distinct from traditional curtains of light that gently undulate across the sky. Elas manifest as patches of light that flash or “pulse” at rhythmic intervals, usually associated with electrons intermittently reaching the upper atmosphere.
Especialistas in space observation indicate that this type of event tends to be ephemeral and discrete. The data collected at Noruega shows that the stability of the flow of solar particles was decisive for the longevity of the show.
- Common Duração of pulsating auroras: between 10 and 20 minutes per event.
- Tempo registered off the Norwegian coast: approximately 180 minutes of activity.
- Equipamento used: Sony A7S camera with 14mm wide-angle lens.
- Condição space weather: G3 level geomagnetic storm.
- Cores predominant: intense shades of green and vibrant pink.
Professional Registro details rare colors and fast movement
Capturing the images required refined technique due to the constant movement of the ship and the speed at which the lights changed their configuration on the horizon. Real-time recording made it possible to document the exact transition between the more common greenish glow and the pinkish bands that appear at lower altitudes.
Kerss, who has been monitoring the sky for almost two decades, classified the sighting as the most profound in his professional career. The presence of pink at the edges of the lights indicates that solar particles have penetrated deep into the atmosphere, interacting with nitrogen at lower levels than usual for oxygen.
The phenomenon was enhanced by a coronal mass ejection that traveled from Sol to Terra at high speed. The impact of this material with the planet’s magnetic field caused the instability necessary to sustain the prolonged luminous pulsation.
Impacto of geomagnetic storms in Earth observation
Intense solar Eventos like the one recorded in February 2026 usually cause concern in telecommunications sectors, but guarantee extended visibility for aurora researchers. The strength of the storm allowed the lights to be detected in latitudes where the phenomenon is rarely visible with such clarity.
Detailed observation of these lights contributes to the understanding of space meteorology and how Sol’s energy interacts with Terra’s protective layers. The collection of high-resolution visual data serves as the basis for predictive models about the behavior of the magnetosphere.
The images obtained during Noruega’s coastal journey are already being analyzed to quantify the rate of variation of the pulsation. The expectation is that the current solar cycle will continue to provide high-magnitude events until the end of the year, keeping the polar regions under constant surveillance by astronomers and enthusiasts.