During the southern ski vacation weeks in Finland, skywatchers are encouraged to look up as a historically powerful solar storm, experienced on January 20, could recur. This suggests a high possibility of assorted auroras appearing across the country, particularly after the rare red auroras detected in January. Professor Eija Tanskanen, director of the Sodankylä geophysical observatory, assesses the likelihood of another storm occurring soon.

In January, the sun exhibited complex structures that erupted into a powerful solar storm impacting the Earth. The sun rotates on its axis approximately every 27 days at the latitude of Finland, meaning the same active regions on the sun become visible again from Earth about once a month. With February 15 approaching, it will complete 27 days since the significant solar storm in January, raising expectations among enthusiasts. Tanskanen indicates that similar structures still exist on the sun that could yield strong eruptions which may lead to auroras.

Such solar activity not only fascinates skywatchers but also has implications for our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth. Increased solar activity can affect satellite communications and power grids, thus the observatory’s continued research is crucial for preparing for these events while also providing a spectacular natural light show for those fortunate enough to witness the auroras in Finland's skies.