Parts of Ireland were treated to a rare Northern Lights display last night and there’s a chance of seeing the aurora again tonight.
Northern Lights in Beragh, Co Tyrone(Image: Supplied)
Parts of Ireland were treated to a rare and spectacular sight last night as the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, lit up the sky in vivid shades of emerald green and violet.
Social media quickly filled with stunning images and videos from across the country as people captured 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.
Met Eireann has said: “It will be generally cloudy at first tonight with outbreaks of rain spreading from the southwest. The rain will become lighter and patchier as the night goes on with clear spells developing.”
The dramatic display was triggered by a powerful burst of solar activity known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), a huge cloud of charged particles released by the sun. When these particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere, they create the Northern Lights.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a rare G4-level geomagnetic storm warning. 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 strong geomagnetic activity is set to continue, noting: “Well done to everyone who caught the Aurora last night and I hope those who we’re saying no chance due to the cloud also got to see the Aurora. Strong G3 and G4 Geomagnetic storming continue into Tuesday morning with further chances G2 and G3 storming Tuesday night again.”
A fast moving coronal mass ejection (CME) means the northern lights may be visible on Tuesday night too(Image: X/@metoffice)
The UK’s Met Office confirmed it could still be visible tonight: “A Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that departed the Sun on 18 January reached Earth on the evening of 19 January UTC. G4/Severe geomagnetic storms were observed, producing widespread auroras visible across the UK, with reports extending as far south as northern Italy.
“By the evening of 20 January UTC, auroral activity is expected to decline, though it may still be visible in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and other similar latitudes with clear skies. Auroras are then forecast to return to background levels for the remainder of the period.”
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 of auroral activity over Ireland throughout the night.
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.
Northern Lights over Ireland on Monday night(Image: Vinny Fanneran)
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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