Pulsar Auroras blog
Recaps of major solar events, scientific deep-dives, press coverage roundups, and practical advice for observing auroras from France.
- Guide
Pulsar method to observe an aurora from France: where, when, how
Our full method to never miss an aurora from France - picking your spot, reading forecasts, gear, dark adaptation and photography.
15 May 2026 · 8 min - Science
Decoding the Kp index: a practical guide for aurora chasers in France
Everything you need to know about the Kp index - how it is computed, what threshold to step out at by latitude, and why it remains the number-one tool for aurora hunters.
8 May 2026 · 7 min - History
Carrington 1859 vs May 2024: what history teaches us for 2026
Comparing the two most notable storms of the industrial era - Carrington 1859 and May 2024 - and what they teach us as we head into the descending phase of cycle 25.
1 May 2026 · 9 min - Photography
Photographing an aurora from France: settings, gear, tips
A practical guide to nailing an aurora shot from anywhere in France - smartphone to mirrorless body, with the essential settings.
30 April 2026 · 8 min - Solar storm
May 2024: a recap of the solar storm that lit up France
From 10-12 May 2024, a G5-class geomagnetic storm made northern lights visible to the naked eye as far south as Marseille. The story, the science, and what to remember for next time.
28 April 2026 · 8 min - Solar cycle
Northern lights in France in 2026: why this year is exceptional
Solar cycle 25 reaches its maximum in 2026. Multiple major geomagnetic storms are expected - some potentially making auroras visible as far south as the French Riviera.
28 April 2026 · 6 min