Northern Lights visible across UK over multiple nights

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 11:48 · Archive

The Northern Lights have been spotted across the UK, with sightings reported from Scotland to the south coast, and may be visible again in coming nights.

The Northern Lights have been spotted across the UK, visible in the early hours of Sunday over locations including Dunstanburgh Castle on the Northumberland coast. Sightings have been reported across large parts of the country, from Scotland to as far south as Kent and Surrey.

The Met Office said the phenomenon could be visible again on Sunday and Monday nights. Forecaster Greg Dewhurst said Sunday's display "could be a little weaker tonight, so most likely seen across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England". He added that the display "may be a little stronger again on Monday night so could be seen further south into central areas". He noted that long exposure camera shots may reveal the aurora further south than what is visible to the naked eye.

The aurora is triggered by solar activity. The sun emits charged particles known as solar wind, which interact with the Earth's magnetic field and are funnelled towards the magnetic poles. When these energetic particles collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, they release energy as light. Oxygen produces green and red light at higher altitudes, while nitrogen creates blue and purple hues, according to the Met Office.

Northern Lights visible across UK over multiple nights — Image: Evening Standard

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How it is being reported

Northern Lights sighted all over UK and you could see them again tonightDid you catch the Northern Lights?Metro · 11 Oct, 12:22
Northern Lights display seen across UK may be visible again on Sunday nightThe aurora borealis lit up the skies across the UK, with the spectacle pictured as far south as Kent and Surrey.Evening Standard · 11 Oct, 11:31
Northern Lights spotted over UK skies - where to see Aurora according to the Met OfficeThe Northern Lights have been spotted over the UK - this is how to see the Aurora Borealis.Daily Express · 10 Oct, 20:37

In this story: Met Office · UK · Scotland · Northern Ireland · England · Kent · Surrey · Greg Dewhurst

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