Pulsar Auroras blog
Recaps of major solar events, scientific deep-dives, press coverage roundups, and practical advice for observing auroras from France.
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Solar cycleSolar cycle 25: why the descending phase is still great news for auroras
Solar maximum is behind us, yet history shows the biggest geomagnetic storms often strike during a cycle’s decline - coronal holes, fast wind streams and the equinox effect explained.
21 July 2026 · 9 min -
ForecastingPredicting an aurora 48 hours ahead: the full guide, from solar flare to French skies
From a solar eruption to the alert on your phone: how the aurora forecasting chain works - coronagraphs, satellites at Lagrange point L1, the Bz component and the Kp index.
21 July 2026 · 10 min -
GuideThe Bortle scale: measuring light pollution and choosing your spot in France
Understand the Bortle scale from 1 to 9, read a light pollution map and find truly dark skies near you - with the best French regions to watch for an aurora.
21 July 2026 · 8 min -
ScienceWhy auroras seen from France are usually red
Atomic oxygen, emission altitude and horizon geometry: the physics behind why an aurora observed from France appears red or pink, and why your photos show more colour than your eyes.
21 July 2026 · 8 min - 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 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 - 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