Jeddah: As the autumnal equinox approaches on September 23, marking the astronomical start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, northern regions of the globe are expected to have better opportunities to witness the aurora.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Head of Jeddah Astronomy Society Majed Abu Zahra said the likelihood of auroral activity increases around the equinoxes, while the gradually lengthening nights provide more favorable conditions for observing the phenomenon in regions within the auroral zone.

Abu Zahra added that long-term records show a tendency toward increased geomagnetic activity around the equinoxes, making September and October particularly favorable months for aurora watchers. He stressed, however, that the occurrence and intensity of the phenomenon ultimately depend on actual solar activity and the orientation of the solar wind's magnetic field, and are not guaranteed by the equinox alone.