On the night of Monday, January 19, 2026, a very rare phenomenon illuminated the night sky in Haute-Savoie, visible notably from Le Grand-Bornand, inspiring surprise and wonder among astronomy enthusiasts and the inhabitants of the Alps. This natural spectacle, normally reserved for latitudes close to the polar circle, was made possible by a strong geomagnetic storm generated by an intense solar eruption.
A rare but spectacular phenomenon
Auroras borealis occur when energetic particles from the Sun, emitted during eruptions or coronal mass ejections, interact with the Earth’s magnetic field and excite atoms in the upper atmosphere. This interaction produces luminous veils in the sky that can appear in shades of green, red, or violet.
Usually observed in very northern regions such as Scandinavia, Iceland, or northern Canada, these polar lights become visible further south only during strong magnetic disturbances. On the night of January 19, a severe geomagnetic storm allowed this phenomenon to be seen as far as France, including Haute-Savoie.
Observations as far as the Alps
Direct testimonies and images shared on social media show auroras borealis visible above the Alpine peaks of Le Grand-Bornand and many other resorts, offering an unexpected spectacle to mountaineers and astronomy enthusiasts present in the region.
This type of visibility at lower latitudes remains rare and depends on several factors: intense solar activity, a clear sky free of clouds, and favorable weather conditions. Haute-Savoie, with its high altitudes and often clear winter skies, sometimes provides suitable grounds for such observations when the solar configuration allows.
A memorable night for observers
For those lucky enough to look up at the sky during the night of January 19 to 20, the spectacle was striking: green and sometimes pink luminous arcs danced above the snow-covered peaks, creating unique snapshots easily captured in night photography.
The auroras borealis are all the more spectacular because their appearance at these latitudes remains exceptional. Astronomy enthusiasts and photographers specializing in astrophotography quickly shared their shots, making this night a highlight in France’s astronomical news.
Tips for observing this phenomenon
To maximize your chances of seeing auroras borealis under similar conditions in the future:
- choose a location far from urban lights,
- prefer a high altitude to reduce cloud cover,
- use a camera with long exposure mode to capture details invisible to the naked eye.
The night of January 19, 2026, will remain etched in memories in Haute-Savoie as a rare opportunity to have observed the auroras borealis from the Alps, thanks to a powerful solar storm and optimal observation conditions.
