On Monday evening, the stunning Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, dazzled onlookers across Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of England. This spectacular display of colourful lights in the night sky was the result of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun, which sent large clouds of particles hurtling towards Earth.
As these charged particles collided with oxygen and nitrogen gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, they produced a mesmerizing array of greens, pinks, and purples. The green hues, the most commonly seen in the Northern Lights, were created by the interaction with oxygen atoms, while the nitrogen atoms emitted the purple, blue, and pink shades.
According to the Met Office, “severe geomagnetic storms” were observed on Monday evening, leading to “widespread aurora visible across the UK, with reports extending as far south as northern Italy.” While the activity is expected to decline, parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland may still be able to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on Tuesday.
Stunning photographs captured the natural phenomenon over various locations in Wales, including Penmachno in Conwy, Llandegla in Denbighshire, and Narberth in Pembrokeshire. One particularly striking image from Trearddur Bay in Anglesey showed the sky lit up in a fuschia pink and yellow display.
The Northern Lights are typically most visible near the Arctic Circle, but they can be seen in other areas during periods of high solar activity. Monday’s event provided a rare and awe-inspiring opportunity for people across the UK to witness the natural wonder of the Aurora Borealis.
