Rare Northern Lights Illuminate Skies Across France and Europe

An unusual solar event brought vivid auroras as far south as France, captivating observers and signaling heightened solar activity expected to continue into 2026.

Northern lights, typically seen in polar regions, were visible in France, Switzerland, Austria, and the UK on January 1, 2025, due to intense solar activity.
The phenomenon was linked to powerful solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) recorded by NASA in late December 2024.
Observers in regions like Dordogne, Isère, and even Île-de-France captured striking images of pink, red, and violet hues lighting up the night sky.
Scientists attribute the auroras to the solar cycle's peak activity, which is expected to continue producing similar events into 2025 and 2026.
Astronomy enthusiasts and professionals recommend using long-exposure photography to capture these rare displays at lower latitudes.