In a breathtaking display, the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, has illuminated the night skies across Scotland. Vibrant hues of red, green, and purple have been spotted from the northernmost Orkney islands down to the Borders region, captivating weather watchers and residents alike.
The natural phenomenon, caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere, was widely observed on Monday evening. Oxygen atoms glowing green and nitrogen atoms emitting purple, blue, and pink hues created a mesmerising celestial show.
“It’s much rarer to see the lights above cities like Edinburgh,” noted one BBC Weather Watcher, “but they were visible across the country, from the Clyde in Gourock to the seaside town of Cockenzie in East Lothian.”
Residents in Argyll and Bute, Dumfries and Galloway, and Angus were treated to the colourful display, with some describing a “wall of red lights” visible from Lochgoilhead and a more purple-toned aurora above Clackmannanshire.
The Northern Lights are caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Oxygen atoms typically produce the green and red colours, while nitrogen atoms emit the purple, blue, and pink hues.
“The most impressive auroras occur when the sun emits really large clouds of particles called ‘coronal mass ejections’,” explained the BBC Weather Watcher.
Weather enthusiasts across Scotland were quick to capture the stunning sights, submitting their photographs to the BBC Weather Watchers platform and the ScotlandPictures@bbc.co.uk email address.
The BBC has urged contributors to adhere to its rules on photography and to ensure their safety when capturing the Northern Lights. The public is encouraged to continue sharing their awe-inspiring images of this natural wonder.
