On the night of Monday, January 19, 2026, an extremely rare phenomenon illuminated the night sky in Haute-Savoie, visible notably from Le Grand-Bornand, arousing surprise and wonder among astronomy enthusiasts and the inhabitants of the Alps. This natural spectacle, normally reserved for latitudes near the polar circle, is made possible by a strong geomagnetic storm generated by an intense solar eruption.
A rare but spectacular phenomenon
Northern lights 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 purple.
Usually observable 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 all the way to the Alps
Direct testimonies and images shared on social media show northern lights visible above the Alpine peaks of Grand-Bornand and many other resorts, offering an unexpected spectacle to mountaineers and astronomy lovers present in the region.
This type of visibility at lower latitudes remains rare and depends on several factors: intense solar activity, a cloud-free sky, and favorable weather conditions. Haute-Savoie, with its high altitudes and often clear winter skies, sometimes offers a suitable setting for such observations when the solar configuration allows.
A memorable night for observers
For those who had the chance to look up at the sky during the night of January 19 to 20, the spectacle was striking: green and sometimes pink luminous arches danced above the snow-capped peaks, creating unique snapshots easily capturable in night photography.
The northern lights are all the more spectacular as their appearance at these latitudes remains exceptional. Astronomy enthusiasts and photographers specialized in astrophotography quickly shared their shots, making this night a major highlight of astronomical news in France.
Tips for observing this phenomenon
To maximize your chances of seeing northern lights 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 memory in Haute-Savoie as a rare occasion to have observed the northern lights from the Alps, thanks to a powerful solar storm and optimal observation conditions.
