Northern lights over Baden-Württemberg: A natural spectacle lights up the sky!

Northern lights over Baden-Württemberg: A natural spectacle lights up the sky!

In the early morning hours of November 12, 2025, impressive northern lights caused astonished faces in Baden-Württemberg, which were even visible as far as the Alps. In a window of about 30 minutes, more precisely between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., the fascinating light effects appeared in reddish, pink and green tones. Users from cities such as Tübingen, Stuttgart, Todtnau and Dornstetten enthusiastically shared pictures of this natural spectacle. According to meteorologist Carolin Liefke from the Haus der Astronomie in Heidelberg, the coming nights could offer similar opportunities to observe the northern lights. Particularly cloudy clouds and clear visibility are forecast for Thursday night, which could create ideal conditions to experience this rare phenomenon.

It should be particularly emphasized that northern lights are a rarity in southern Germany, as they usually appear in northern regions. The lights arise when solar particles released during eruptions on the sun react with the Earth's atmosphere. However, in the next few years it is announced that the frequency of solar storms may decrease, potentially leading to a period without visible auroras. For anyone who wants to marvel at the lights, we recommend avoiding the light pollution of cities and retreating to quieter areas such as the Odenwald or the Palatinate Forest. Polar showers have long fascinated astronomers and enthusiastic observers, and now this natural phenomenon has reached our region! SWR reports on this unique opportunity.

The anticipation of the next nights

The weather conditions appear favorable and the scientists are also optimistic. The new forecasts suggest that more sightings are possible in the coming nights. So if you want a good chance of seeing the next light show, you shouldn't hesitate and look for a quiet place in nature in good time. With the dark nights and the prospect of a stronger solar storm, this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity!

However, the significance of these astronomical events is not limited to the observations in our region. There is currently a lot going on in other areas, such as technology. OpenAI has sent a letter to the US government seeking support for data center construction. Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane is calling for an expansion of the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit to address not just semiconductor manufacturing, but also electrical grid components and AI data centers. This could mean a significant reduction in the cost of capital and stimulate private investment. At an event, CFO Sarah Friar mentioned asking the government for support for infrastructure loans, but later corrected himself and clarified that OpenAI is not seeking government support for infrastructure commitments. CEO Sam Altman said governments shouldn't pick winners or losers and said OpenAI advocated discussing a proposal for loan guarantees for the expansion of semiconductor factories in the US. TechCrunch has provided some interesting insights into these developments.

Amid these turbulent times, whether in the pursuit of the Northern Lights or advances in technology, it is important to appreciate the wonders around us. Whether looking under the starry sky at night or thinking about technological innovations during the day - the world constantly offers reasons for fascination!