The Northern Lights were visible to millions of Brits from northern Scotland to as far south as Berkshire this weekend – the incredible display was due to a geomagnetic storm
The Northern Lights stunned millions of Brits as it danced across the night sky this weekend – but some missed out on the magic.
Spectacular Aurora Borealis shimmers were spotted from as far apart as northern Scotland and Berkshire in southern England on Friday and Saturday night. While they are a rare sight in southern parts of the UK, an extreme geomagnetic storm resulted in the display being visible much further south than normal.
According to Royal Museums Greenwich, the auroras can be seen near both poles in the northern and southern hemisphere – in the north it is known as the aurora borealis. “The lights we see in the night sky are in actual fact caused by activity on the surface of the Sun,” the museum said.
“Solar storms on our star’s surface give out huge clouds of electrically charged particles. These particles can travel millions of miles, and some may eventually collide with the Earth.”
And for those who missed out, there may be another chance.
According to the Lancaster University-run AuroraWatch UK website, there is a possibility the Northern Lights could be visible in some parts of the UK tonight. Its alerts have highlighted the Shetland Islands and the area around Aberdeenshire as being possible locations to view the display.
AuroraWatch UK issued an Amber alert for a possible aurora that could be visible to the naked eye in and around Aberdeenshire tonight. Meanwhile a Yellow alert is in place for the Shetland Islands, meaning it might be visible by camera.
The measurements factor in geomagnetic activity across the UK. While the alerts are issued, conditions such as how cloudy it is could affect your ability to see the Northern Lights.
Millions across the northern hemisphere were treated to a vast array of colours moving across the night sky over the weekend. Many Mirror readers shared the sparkly hues in clear skies in many parts of the country this weekend.
Nicole Jay watched the incredible display from her garden in Essex alongside her husband Richie. She said: “It was such an incredible experience. Especially from our own garden! A little bit of magic.”
The Northern Lights were visible in many parts of the UK on Friday night. It was also visible on Saturday with people on the island of Ireland being most likely to see it.
Chris Snell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, previously advised those hoping to see the lights on Saturday to head to an area with low light pollution and to use a good camera, adding: “The best chance you have of seeing the lights is if you are away from street lights and areas with lots of light pollution, as any type of light does have a big effect.”