On the night of October 10 to 11, the Gironde sky was adorned with incredible colors thanks to an exceptional natural phenomenon: the Northern Lights. This rare spectacle, caused by a major solar flare, amazed the inhabitants of Bordeaux and the surrounding area. Photographers were quick to immortalize these magical moments, offering breathtaking images.
An extremely rare event
Last Thursday, a large solar flare took place, resulting in an influx of solar particles that collided with the Earth’s magnetic field. The sky was clear enough to offer a glimpse of these mysterious lights, mainly between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.. At that time, reddish and purple hues danced in the sky, bringing an unexpected magic to this Gironde night.
Some waited until there was no more public lighting to capture the magical phenomenon, and even try to see it with the naked eye.
A golden opportunity for passionate photographers
Because in fact, opportunities are rare to see the Northern Lights in France, and even more so in the Bordeaux region. It would normally be necessary to be at latitudes close to those of the Scandinavia and the North Pole to contemplate such a phenomenon. So photographers from the surrounding area rushed to get away from the light pollution of the cities and immortalize this magical moment.
Understanding the Northern Lights
But what caused this rare phenomenon in Gironde? As mentioned previously, a solar flare took place on October 8generating a flow of solar particles capable of creating auroras, particularly at the poles. However, during exceptional events, these lights can go down to lower latitudes, such as Bordeaux.
Can we expect more auroras in the coming weeks? Experts predict a good chance of seeing more events of this type, both in 2024 that in 2025. The current solar cycle, which lasts around eleven years, favors these eruptions.
How to observe the Northern Lights?
Observing the Northern Lights in more southern latitudes, such as Bordeaux, can be a challenge. It is essential to be in a poorly lit location, ideally in the countryside and facing north. Auroras are often more visible in photographs taken with long exposures, revealing colors invisible to the naked eye.
To maximize your chances of seeing these celestial wonders, you can download apps like My Aurora Forecastwhich indicate the probability of seeing aurora depending on the Kp index. The higher this index, the greater your chances of observing these luminous drapes.
While waiting for the next opportunity to admire these lights in the sky, the magic of the night from October 10 to 11 will remain engraved in the memories of the Girondins, as a unique and unforgettable experience.
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