Auroras borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, were spotted in several regions of France during the night of Saturday, October 11, into Sunday. These colorful displays, usually seen near the Earth's polar regions, were visible in parts of northern and central France, including the Manche department, where the commune of Marchésieux saw a pinkish glow in the sky. Similar sightings were reported in Robertot, in Seine-Maritime, and near Gombergean in Loir-et-Cher, where the auroras appeared more purple and magenta. More subdued auroras were also observed in Hauts-de-France and Hérault. Neighboring Belgium, particularly in the Liège region, also reported sightings of the phenomenon. The auroras borealis observed in France and Belgium were caused by a geomagnetic storm resulting from a solar storm. Solar storms occur when the sun releases large amounts of electrically charged particles into space. These particles can travel vast distances and, in some cases, reach Earth. When they arrive, they interact with the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere, creating the shimmering lights known as auroras. The colors of the auroras depend on the type of gas molecules in the atmosphere and the altitude at which the interaction occurs. Oxygen molecules typically produce green or red hues, while nitrogen molecules create blue and purple colors. The intensity and shape of the auroras, often described as "curtains" of light, are influenced by the strength and orientation of the Earth's magnetic field. Such auroral displays are relatively rare in lower latitudes like France and Belgium, as they usually occur closer to the poles. However, during periods of intense solar activity, the effects can be felt much farther from the poles. This event provided a rare opportunity for people in these regions to witness a natural spectacle typically reserved for those living in more northerly latitudes.