A rare phenomenon might brighten the azure sky from Wednesday night to Thursday. The succession of solar eruptions in recent days increases the likelihood of observing the northern lights even in the south of France. Experts encourage people to look towards the north as soon as night falls.
Since November 9, an active region of the Sun, identified as AR4274, has produced several major eruptions. Three of them were particularly powerful, including an X5.16-class eruption that occurred on November 11. It is the strongest of the year. These eruptions have projected coronal masses at very high speeds, some exceeding 2,000 kilometers per second. This phenomenon is responsible for creating the northern lights.
These ejections are currently heading towards Earth. The peak of the solar storm was reached this Tuesday morning, around 11 a.m. (French time). As a result, a geomagnetic storm is expected on the night from Wednesday to Thursday. It could make the northern lights visible at our latitudes.
Observers speak of an exceptionally intense solar storm capable of causing pink, green, or violet glows, visible to the naked eye if conditions are favorable. Side effects on communications or GPS signals remain light and without consequence for the general public.
The most favorable conditions are expected between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., with a probable peak between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. However, actual visibility will depend on the solar activity’s evolution and local weather conditions. Some low clouds might disrupt observation in certain areas, particularly along the Mediterranean coast.
Where and how to observe the northern lights?
To maximize chances of observation, specialists recommend moving away from urban areas and finding a clear spot oriented due north. Elevated areas are preferable, to have an unobstructed view of the horizon.
On the heights of Nice, witnesses have already reported observing glows from Lucéram the previous night. The highlands of the Nice hinterland, the Var, or the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence also offer interesting observation points.
According to current data, the KP index, which measures the intensity of geomagnetic disturbances, should reach a level of 8 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. this Wednesday. This index, ranging from 0 to 9, reflects the likelihood of northern lights appearing. Such a high level is rare at these latitudes. Activity should then gradually decrease during the night and the following days.
Even though the phenomenon remains unpredictable, the chances of seeing them are real. For some, the naked eye will suffice. For others, long exposure photography will be necessary. In previous episodes, many images revealed red hues invisible without a digital device.
These red hues are explained by the geographical position. The northern lights form much further north, but their more diffuse upper part remains visible from our regions during intense solar events.
For residents of the French Riviera, patience and minimal light exposure will be key. It is advisable to move away from urban lighting, turn off headlamps, and let the eyes adapt to the darkness for about twenty minutes.
A rare spectacle at our latitudes
The northern lights visible from mainland France remain an unusual phenomenon. Last May, residents were able to observe the sky tinged with red or purple in several departments, including the Alpes-Maritimes. This week, the conditions seem comparable.
Even though experts urge caution before guaranteeing a definite observation, Wednesday’s event could offer a new rare moment for stargazers.
Provence and the French Riviera, far from the polar circle, are not the best areas for this type of spectacle. But periods of high solar activity, like the current one, make these sightings possible.
For those who will try their luck, it will be necessary to look north as soon as the sun sets, around 5 p.m., and monitor the sky in the early evening. Patience will be crucial, as a northern lights appearance sometimes lasts only a few minutes.
If the conditions are met, the azure sky could, for one night, be adorned with glows from the far north.
