Parts of Ireland were treated to a rare Northern Lights display last night and there’s a strong chance of seeing the aurora again tonight.
The Northern Lights could be visible in Ireland again tonight(Image: PA)
Parts of Ireland were treated to a rare and spectacular show last night as the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, lit up the sky in vivid shades of emerald green and violet.
Social media was flooded with stunning photos from across the country capturing the breathtaking celestial display.
And for those hoping to catch the phenomenon again, there’s good news – another chance could be on the way tonight. People in the north and west of Ireland are most likely to see the aurora, but it may still be visible across the country, weather permitting. Cloud cover could limit visibility in some areas.
This stunning light show was sparked by a powerful burst of solar activity called a coronal mass ejection (CME) – a huge cloud of charged particles and magnetic fields released by the sun. When these particles hit Earth, they interact with our planet’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere, creating the Northern Lights.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a rare G3-level geomagnetic storm warning, which is expected to intensify to G4 later today. Geomagnetic storms are rated on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). While these storms increase the chances of seeing the aurora, they can also temporarily affect communications, GPS, power grids and even space craft and satellite navigation.
Aurora Alerts Ireland said: “What a morning that was we hit G5 at around 5am this morning briefly with the Aurora visible all over Ireland. Further Geomagnetic storming will continue over the next 14 hours with further sunstoms and periods of G2, G3 and G4 storming possible. We are still waiting on the bigger CME that left the sun on Tuesday morning from the X5 solar flare that could give G5 storm conditions. Major aurora displays again are expected across Ireland the UK and Europe again tonight as well as other parts of the world.”
Tonight’s aurora forecast. (Image:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
The UK’s Met Office in Exeter added: “Three coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are expected to arrive at Earth, two on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning and another on Wednesday night into Thursday morning. The aurora will be enhanced into Wednesday morning with enhancement persisting perhaps through to Thursday morning, though cloud cover is expected to inhibit ideal viewing conditions for many parts.”
If you missed the display last night, there’s still hope. A red alert has been issued by AuroraWatch UK, indicating high geomagnetic activity and a strong chance of visible aurora, so long as the skies stay clear.
Tracker
To find out the best time and place to see the Northern Lights in Ireland tonight, check out the real-time aurora tracker on the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s website HERE.
NOAA’s real-time aurora tracker shows a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Ireland from 1.10am to 4.55am Irish time.
Tips on viewing the Northern Lights
Viewing the aurora depends on a number of factors.
Seek dark, clear skies: To optimise your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, head away from light pollution. Look for remote locations with minimal artificial light, such as rural areas, coastal spots or elevated viewpoints. Clear skies are essential for visibility, so monitor weather forecasts and choose nights with low cloud cover.
Timing is key: While the Northern Lights can be spotted throughout the year in Ireland, the best viewing times coincide with periods of heightened solar activity. Keep an eye on solar wind data and aim to view the aurora during the hours surrounding midnight when geomagnetic activity tends to peak.
Be patient: Patience is key when hunting for the Northern Lights. Even during periods of increased activity, sightings are not guaranteed. Plan multiple viewing attempts over several nights to increase your chances of success.
Equip yourself: Prepare for extended outdoor stints by dressing warmly in multiple layers and donning waterproof clothing. Bring along essentials such as a flashlight with red light mode (to preserve night vision), snacks, water and a fully charged phone for safety. Consider bringing a camera with manual settings to capture the aurora.
Stay flexible: Flexibility is crucial when chasing the Northern Lights. Be prepared to travel to different locations based on real-time updates. Sometimes the most unexpected places can give the most unforgettable auroral experiences.
Embrace the experience: While capturing the Northern Lights on camera is undoubtedly rewarding, remember to immerse yourself fully in the moment. Witnessing this natural marvel firsthand is a rare privilege, so take time to appreciate its splendor with your own eyes.
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