Portuguese eyewitness accounts of the great space weather event of 1582

TL;DR

This paper presents newly discovered Portuguese eyewitness accounts of a significant aurora in March 1582, providing historical data to enhance understanding of this notable space weather event.

Contribution

It introduces previously unreported Portuguese descriptions of the 1582 aurora, enriching historical records and analysis of this major space weather phenomenon.

Findings

Aurora observed over three consecutive nights in March 1582

Descriptions likened the aurora to a great fire in the sky

Records from Lisbon contribute to historical aurora data

Abstract

Newly discovered descriptions about the great aurora observed in March 1582 are presented in this work. These records were made by Portuguese observers from Lisbon. Both records described the aurora like a great fire in the northern part of the sky. It was observed during three consecutive nights, according to one of the sources. Thus, we present a discussion of these auroral records in order to complement other works that studied the aurora sighted in March 1582.