The Northern Lights illuminate the UK sky in vibrant greens and purples, reflecting off the sea at Whitley Bay
The Northern Lights were seen across the UK for the first time this autumn on Monday night, and experts suggest the phenomenon could return on Tuesday.
From northern Scotland to north Wales and as far south as Norfolk and Kent, the bright colours of the aurora lit up the night sky following a powerful solar storm.
Space weather forecasters had predicted the event after satellites detected a coronal mass ejection, a massive burst of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s surface.
The solar particles entered Earth’s atmosphere, interacting with oxygen and nitrogen to create the purples, greens, and reds visible in the aurora.
In North Tyneside, Whitley Bay residents captured images of the sky ablaze with green and pink lights above rocky beaches and distant lighthouses.
Similarly, in Nairn, Highlands, observers were treated to an awe-inspiring display as bright auroras reflected across the sea and surrounding landscapes.
The Met Office Space Weather Centre warned the heightened solar activity could continue into Tuesday night, potentially reaching a G4 Severe storm on a scale from G1 to G5.
Krista Hammond, space weather manager, encouraged the public to stay updated, noting that forecasts can change rapidly, affecting visibility in different regions.
Cloud cover remains a key factor; thickening skies with heavy rain and wind are expected across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while Scotland will likely enjoy clearer views.
Urban areas face light pollution, reducing visibility, but photography offers a way to capture the aurora. Long exposure times with a tripod or night mode on smartphones are recommended.
The US Space Weather Prediction Center confirmed a moderate geomagnetic storm reaching G2 on Tuesday morning, emphasizing that stronger storms are required for sightings in southern regions.
On Monday night, reports confirmed the Northern Lights were visible as far south as Dorset, though activity is expected to return to normal by Wednesday.
The phenomenon, caused by charged particles from the Sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, continues to captivate observers and amateur photographers across the country.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
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