A rare and breathtaking phenomenon captivated residents across the county as the aurora borealis illuminated the night sky with stunning displays of pink, green, and purple lights. On Thursday night, many brave souls ventured outdoors despite the chilly temperatures, eager to capture the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights through their cameras.
For those who missed the dazzling display, hope is not lost. AuroraWatch UK has issued a red alert for a potential auroral storm this evening, providing another chance for spectators to witness this extraordinary light show. While light clouds are expected to blanket East Lancashire, they are predicted to clear around 1 AM, creating an optimal window for viewing the aurora.
Typically confined to the Arctic Circle, the aurora borealis was visible in our region this time due to an extreme geomagnetic storm. This year, the sun is at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, which has resulted in an uptick in sightings of the Northern Lights across the UK. The increased solar activity has led to a surge in geomagnetic storms, making the aurora more visible at lower latitudes.
Residents from Blackburn, Padiham, Belthorn, Accrington, the Ribble Valley, Oswaldtwistle, and Prestwich were treated to a remarkable spectacle as the vibrant hues danced across the sky. Photographers flocked to popular beauty spots in East Lancashire, where the darkened settings offered the best conditions for viewing, free from the interference of light pollution. Remarkably, the aurora was also visible closer to home, despite the presence of streetlights.
Among the many stunning captures, some particularly striking photographs were taken near Belmont, showcasing strong streams of red and green lights silhouetted against the trees. One memorable moment was shared by Samantha Brown, whose young son Klayton was overjoyed to finally witness the lights after being disappointed earlier in the year. “My daughter saw the lights over the summer, but my son was asleep and missed them,” Samantha explained. “When I read that they might appear tonight, he was thrilled to see them last night.”
Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon had predicted the aurora sightings, stating, “When it does reach Earth, there are likely aurora sightings in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with a chance of some sightings in the north of England and slightly further south. The further north you are, the more likely you are to get good visibility.” Thanks to clear skies and increased solar activity, the display was particularly dramatic this time.
Auroras occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere around the magnetic poles. In the northern hemisphere, most of this activity takes place within a region known as the aurora oval, which spans latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees. However, during periods of heightened activity, this oval expands, allowing the breathtaking displays to be seen much further south, including in the UK.
The science behind the aurora borealis is fascinating. The sun’s magnetic field is responsible for the charged particles that interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, causing the spectacular light displays. The Earth’s magnetic field acts as a shield, deflecting the charged particles towards the poles, where they collide with the atmosphere, producing the vibrant colors.
The colors of the aurora are determined by the energy of the particles and the altitude at which they collide with the atmosphere. Green is the most common color, produced by collisions at altitudes of around 100-200 km. Red is produced by higher-energy particles that collide at higher altitudes, while blue and violet are produced by lower-energy particles that collide at lower altitudes.
As anticipation builds for another potential viewing tonight, residents are reminded to keep an eye on the sky and seize the opportunity to experience this natural wonder. With clear skies and enhanced solar activity, the conditions are ripe for another spectacular display.
Tips for Viewing the Aurora:
- Find a dark location: Get away from city lights and find a spot with minimal light pollution for the best viewing experience.
- Dress warmly: It can get chilly while waiting for and viewing the aurora, so dress in warm, layered clothing.
- Bring a camera: Capture the moment with a camera, but don’t forget to enjoy the experience with your own eyes too!
- Be patient: The aurora can be unpredictable, so be prepared to wait and keep an eye on the sky.
With the red alert issued by AuroraWatch UK, residents are urged to stay vigilant and keep an eye on the sky tonight. Who knows, we might be treated to another spectacular display of the aurora borealis?
If you have any photos or stories to share from last night’s display, we’d love to hear from you!