Solar flares have triggered auroras worldwide, including in Cyprus

Over the past weekend, auroras were visible across the globe. For the first time in recent history, this rare phenomenon was observed in Cyprus.

The cause of the auroras in many countries was the strongest magnetic storm in 20 years, reaching an extreme G5 power level according to the US National Weather Service. Scientists have already dubbed the solar storm "potentially historic."

During the solar flare, at least seven coronal mass ejections were recorded. The first wave of these impacts was detected on Earth Friday evening, May 10.

As a result, auroras were visible worldwide on Saturday night. The phenomenon was observed not only by residents of northern countries but also, for example, in Cuba, Georgia, Italy, and even in Cyprus. On the island, this optical phenomenon was recorded for the first time in recent history, notably captured by the panoramic camera of the All-Sky observatory in Prodromos. The most intense activity, as captured by the camera, was observed around 4:16 in the morning.

"They were flashes of yellow-green and pink-purple shades. This is an extremely rare phenomenon! So rare that I believe it has never been registered in Cyprus before!" employees of the observatory reported on their Facebook page.

Scientists note that such storms are capable not only of causing auroras but also of disrupting the operation of satellites in near-Earth orbit and instruments on Earth.

In particular, SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk noted that due to the geomagnetic storm on the Sun, Starlink satellites are experiencing increased stress.