NASA has captured a double solar flare in recent days.
Northern lights could appear in the sky over the weekend.
To find out more, TF1info contacted astrophysicist Anthony Salsi.
In our latitudes, it is a spectacle that is surprising. An intense geomagnetic storm is currently heading towards our planet, which could result in northern lights visible at our latitudes over the coming days. “NASA recently detected two huge solar flares, one of category X7 and the other of category Earth. We therefore expect to potentially see auroras during the weekend“, tells TF1info astrophysicist Anthony Salsi, aka @astronophilos (new window) on Instagram.
This cosmic phenomenon occurs when jets of hot and magnetic particles, generated by these solar flares, reach the Earth’s environment. By mixing with the oxygen and nitrogen atoms present in the magnetosphere, these solar particles release photons, and therefore light! However, it is impossible to know in advance where these light manifestations will appear in the sky. “Even if the conditions are right to offer us a nice spectacle, it is possible that we will not be able to see anything.“, warns this specialist.
How to spot them in the sky?
Since space weather is capricious, websites like Space Weather (new window) or Aurora Forecast (new window) can be very useful for being alerted in advance. “In theory, we can find out an hour in advance thanks to their bulletins. Next, find a place away from city light pollution with a clear horizon and look towards the north.. This can happen at any time during the night, so be patient. During a powerful episode, it is sometimes possible to see a light veil floating in the sky with a reddish tint.explains Anthony Salsi.
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Images of the double solar flare, the Northern Lights soon in the sky?
To try to capture one, you can use your smartphone. “There is no need to be over-equipped. It is possible to photograph auroras using the night mode of the camera built into your phone. To do this, you must use a long exposure of at least ten seconds, more if possible.“, advises this specialist. In our latitudes, where they are not very luminous, it is only in a very dark sky that we can observe auroras. Luckily, the brightness of the Moon will be relatively weak throughout the weekend.
