Northern Lights Seen in Unusual Places During Solar Cycle 25

Between 2024 and early 2025, a series of powerful geomagnetic storms—including rare G5-class events - caused the auroral oval to expand dramatically. These storms illuminated skies in regions that rarely, if ever, witness the Northern Lights. From the high deserts of northern Mexico to the heart of Europe, it was an extraordinary period for aurora enthusiasts around the world.

Although these sightings are rare in lower latitudes, hello aurora users from around the world submitted thousands of aurora reports during these exceptional events.

How Solar Cycle 25 is changing where we see the Northern Lights

Solar Cycle 25, also referred to as Sun Cycle 25, began in December 2019 and is currently in its maximum phase (expected to peak in 2024–2025). During a solar maximum, the Sun produces more sunspots, solar flares, and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which can lead to geomagnetic storms on Earth.

These storms expand the auroral oval—the region around the poles where auroras usually occur, making the Northern Lights visible in lower-latitude countries, sometimes even near the equator.

May 2024: Aurora spotted in Mexico

In May 2024, an extreme G5-class geomagnetic storm—the strongest since 2003—hit Earth and produced auroras across many countries far outside the Arctic Circle. This once-in-a-generation event lit up skies in regions unaccustomed to the aurora.

• Northern Lights in Mexico: Residents of northern Mexico reported seeing faint but visible aurora displays during the storm. These sightings were verified by from hello aurora users in the regions.
• Northern Lights in the United States: Auroras were visible across much of the continental US, including states like Idaho, California, New York, and even Florida and Georgia.

Northern Lights in Europe During May 2024

The May 10–13, 2024 storm also delivered unforgettable moments across Europe. hello aurora users captured rare sightings in:

• France – Seen from various regions, including eastern and northern parts of the country.
• Northern Lights in Germany – Bright auroras appeared in northern and central Germany.
• Northern Lights in Poland – Particularly strong displays were reported in central and northern regions.

Additional sightings came from Switzerland, Austria, Lithuania, and Belarus.

These rare events highlight how Solar Cycle 25 created unprecedented aurora opportunities for those living in central and southern Europe.

October 2024: Another surge of Aurora activity

On 8 October 2024, a powerful X1.8-class solar flare erupted, followed by a direct-hit CME that reached Earth the next day. This caused another G4–G5-class storm, pushing the auroral oval even farther south.

Thanks to the long, dark autumn nights, the aurora was clearly visible even in urban areas with light pollution. Once again, people reported seeing the Northern Lights in France, Germany, and several parts of eastern Europe. In the US, auroras reached as far south as Florida and Georgia.

June 2025: Another Aurora Event During Solar Cycle 25

On 1 June 2025, a G4-class geomagnetic storm—triggered by an M8.2 solar flare and a full-halo CME—sparked aurora sightings across France, Germany, Switzerland, Northern US states and parts of Canada.

Even though summer nights are short and bright in the Northern Hemisphere, geomagnetic storms can still produce aurora under the right conditions—especially from dark-sky locations.

What We Learned from Solar Cycle 25’s Auroras

The incredible aurora displays witnessed during Solar Cycle 25 show that even regions far from the Arctic can, on occasion, experience the magic of the Northern Lights—particularly during periods of extreme solar activity.

For those living in France, Poland, Germany, or even Mexico, these rare sightings were a reminder that space weather can surprise us. While there is no guarantee that the aurora will return to these locations soon, the next strong solar storm could once again light up unexpected skies.

If you are someone who dreams of seeing the aurora—even from a place not normally known for it—hello aurora can help. The app alerts you in real time when geomagnetic conditions favour visibility in your region. That way, if the opportunity arises again, you will not miss it.

So while the lights may fade, hope remains—and with the right tools, you might just be ready when the sky surprises you 💚