Displays of the Northern Lights were visible from many parts of the UK last night, 10 October 2024, causing ethereal wisps of green and red to stream across the night sky.
The Northern Lights – or aurora borealis – have become more frequent and intense over the past year as the Sun reaches the peak of its 11-year Solar Cycle.
Aurora chasers are still beaming from the amazing Northern Lights display of 10 May 2024, and last night provided another opportunity to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
Many observers were able to capture images of the Northern Lights on their cameras and smartphones, such was the intensity.
Find out how to capture a display with our guide on photographing the aurora
What causes aurora?
Aurora displays are the visual culmination of solar phenomena interacting with Earth’s magnetic field.
Charged particles emanating from the Sun – known as the ‘solar wind’ – hit Earth’s magnetic field and cause beautiful displays, such as those seen last night.
At times when the Sun is more active, on Earth we see more frequent and more intense displays.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory – which observes and monitors the Sun – recorded an X1.8 flare on 8 October, and captured the image below.
‘X’ denotes this as one of the most intense types of flare emitted by the Sun.
The US Space Weather Prediction Center then recorded a ‘G5’ or ‘extreme’ geomagnetic storm late on 10 October and into the early hours of 11 October.
The UK’s weather-monitoring service also recorded increased solar activity.
“A fast coronal mass ejection related to a large flare and filament combination that left the Sun on 9 October arrived at Earth through the second half of 10 October and is having ongoing effects, including Severe Geomagnetic storms,” a statement from the UK Met Office says.
“Aurora has been sighted as far south as southern England and on the Continent.”
What’s more, the Met Office says chances of aurora displays will continue into this weekend, although they will ease and become more confined to northern latitudes by Sunday 13 October.
If you have clear skies forecast where you are, this weekend could be yet another opportunity to see the Northern Lights for yourself.
Here’s our pick of the best aurora images from 10 October we’ve received so far.
Did you capture any images of the aurora this week? Don’t forget to send us your images – we’d love to see them?