Photos: Northern Lights visible in many parts of France

The Northern Lights were seen in many parts of France during the night of November 11-12, with spectators sharing photos and videos of the coloured skies on social media.

A busy period of solar flares meant pink and purple hues were seen in several areas in the north of France, particularly across Normandy and Brittany, as well as further east, in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. 

Activity peaked between 03:00 and 05:00 this morning. 

It is typically easier to see the Northern Lights in areas with low light pollution, however some people reported seeing them in major cities such as Paris, and even as far south as Nice.

When the aurora borealis is seen in France, the colours are generally warmer because of the country’s lower altitude, in contrast to the green and blue lights seen closer to the Arctic Circle.

“This might be the strongest geomagnetic storm in over a year… It comes from a powerful solar flare that occurred this Tuesday morning,” reads a Facebook post shared by Météo Basse-Normandie.

The regional weather outlet also reports there could be even higher chances of seeing the lights again tonight, with the peak expected to begin as early as 16:00 and last until 02:00.

We look at some of the images from last night’s display, shared by people across France.

Northern Lights in France

The aurora borealis also illuminated skies in April across the north of France, over Normandy and Brittany. 

To increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights tonight (November 12-13), find a spot with low light pollution and look north, preferably towards a clear horizon.

“It will be possible to photograph them through your phone in long exposure mode, or with a camera,” says Météo Basse-Normandie.

The Space Weather Prediction Centre website alerts you to whether an aurora is expected to occur within the next 30 minutes.