Vanessa PearceWest Midlands

Getty Images An aerial shot of Birmingham city centre which shows a vivid pink glow, coming from the St Andrew's football ground, being reflected off clouds above it, sending the whole sky pinkGetty Images

The stadium lights sent the sky over Birmingham a vivid pink

As rare snowfall blanketed much of the West Midlands on Thursday evening, residents were struck by an unexpected sight: a mysterious pink glow lighting up the sky.

There was much speculation on social media as to whether the phenomenon was an unusually vivid sunset. Or was it the Northern Lights making a surprise appearance?

The truth was far more down-to-earth.

It turns out the source of the display were simple pink LED lights being used on the pitch at Birmingham City’s football ground, the club has confirmed.

Getty Images An aerial view of Birmingham City Football Club ground, St Andrews. It is surrounded by snow-covered buildings in the city centre and the pitch can be seen lit up in a bright pink colourGetty Images

Other aerial photos helped to trace the phenomenon to Birmingham City’s football stadium

Skies across the city turned a dazzling shade of pink with other images also shared from Hednesford in Staffordshire.

BBC weather presenter Simon King said cloud cover and falling snow meant the sky could be more reflective, and Birmingham City’s St Andrew’s stadium was shown as the source of light.

Hednesford Town Football Club posted on social media that a similar phenomenon, earlier in the week, was caused by their LED pitch lights “helping the grass grow and recover, keeping us ready to chase three points, not the aurora”.

Lord Brocket/BBC Weather Watchers A bright pink sky over snowy roofs and trees in Hednesford, StaffordshireLord Brocket/BBC Weather Watchers

The sky turned a bright pink over Hednesford in Staffordshire

“Atmospheric conditions with low cloud and even during snow, can make the sky a little more reflective and show a glow of street lighting, buildings and even purple lights from football stadiums,” the meteorologist added.

A bright pink sky over a snowy Birmingham road

It could be seen in Birmingham city centre

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge added: “The blue wavelengths of light are more easily scattered by snow or water droplets, allowing the longer wavelengths – such as red and orange – to get through.

“This can have the effect of turning colours more pink or orange.”

GLMCC Pink sky above a clock tower in Birmingham city centre. The face of the clock is lit and heavy snow can be seen falling around it. GLMCC

It happened as heavy snow began to fall in the city

GLMCC Pink sky over a Morrisons supermarket in Small Heath area of Birmingham. The supermarket is lit with snow seen in its car park and a bright street light. GLMCC

This stunning image was taken close to Green Lane Masjid in the Small Heath area of Birmingham

Mysterious bright pink captured in Birmingham during storm

GLMCC Bright pink sky over BirminghamGLMCC

The effect was caused by lights from Birmingham City’s football ground

EliP/BBC Weather Watchers A river is in the foreground and lit up buildings can be seen behind. The sky is strange tint of pink and purple.EliP/BBC Weather Watchers

BBC Weather Watchers captured images of the phenomenon

Hednesford Town Football Club Hednesford Town Football ground with pink LED lights being used to treat a corner of the pitch. A floodlight can be seen in the background, lighting up the grass. Hednesford Town Football Club

Hednesford Town Football Club shared an image of pink LED lights being used to treat the pitch