Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Slovenia – May 2024

Seeing the northern lights here is unusual, but because solar eruptions have been more frequent in the current period, we have been able to observe them three times since last year. The Sun reverses its magnetic poles roughly every 11 years, which increases the activity of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). We are currently at the peak of this period, so another such event may occur soon.

On the night leading into 11 May I was prepared, with a few ideas for subjects. It stayed lively until morning, but I finished shortly after two and only left a time-lapse running from the window until dawn.

So today was the first time in my life that I had truly seen the northern lights, and with the naked eye. The sky turned pink and blazed with white flames.