Northern Lights dazzle across Dorset over weekend

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 10:13 · Archive

The Northern Lights illuminated Dorset's sky on Friday and Saturday evenings, visible much further south than usual due to strong solar activity. Residents across the county captured photographs showing shades of pink, purple and green stretching above the coastline and countryside. Members of the Dorset Camera Club photographed the display at locations including Swanage, Knowlton Church, Lytchett Matravers and Sherborne.

The Aurora Borealis is normally seen only near the Arctic Circle and northern Scotland. The phenomenon is caused by powerful solar eruptions from the Sun, known as coronal mass ejections. These release streams of charged particles which travel millions of miles towards Earth before becoming trapped by the planet's magnetic field. As the particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere, they create the vibrant colours associated with the aurora.

Activity levels on Saturday evening reached around 600 nanoteslas, making the lights visible across much of the UK including southern counties such as Dorset. The Met Office said sightings could remain possible during clear skies until Tuesday, particularly for those looking north from dark locations away from bright streetlights. People hoping to catch a glimpse are advised to use a mobile phone camera, which can often detect the colours more clearly than the human eye in low-light conditions.

How it is being reported

• Stunning Northern Lights illuminate Dorset skyResidents across Dorset were treated to a spectacular sight over the weekend as the Northern Lights illuminated the night sky on both Friday and Saturday evenings.Dorset Echo · 11 Oct, 09:07
• PHOTOS - Magical scenes captured as Northern Lights dazzle over DorsetMagical scenes have been captured across Dorset overnight as the Northern Lights put on an incredible display.Bournemouth Echo · 11 Oct, 08:25

In this story: Dorset · Swanage · Knowlton Church · Lytchett Matravers · Sherborne · Met Office

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