The Northern Lights were seen as far south as Cornwall overnight as Britons were treated to an extraordinary display.
An extreme geomagnetic storm brought the aurora to skies across the country – with spectacular green and pink flares visible from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
The aurora swirled predominantly west of Britain, over Ireland and the Atlantic Ocean.
Social media was abuzz with reactions from people marvelling at the spectacle.
One, Suzzanne Evans, wrote: ‘Just the most wonderful Northern Lights here in Shropshire tonight.”
Further south, another user said: “Northern Lights in south Devon. Flipping gorgeous.”
And further south still in Cornwall, another wrote: “Fantastic display of northern lights here in Penzance right now, even with some light pollution.”
Social media was abuzz with reactions from people marvelling at the spectacle
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STUART FORSEY
PICTURED: A long-exposure shot of the Northern Lights over Cornwall
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STUART FORSEY
While at the other end of the country in Skye, Callum Montegomery said: “WOW. I’ve seen the Northern Lights in Skye before, but NEVER like that. Insane.”
He added the display was visible to the naked eye even near streetlights, noting his mother had finally witnessed the phenomenon after a lifetime on the island with no luck.
Stuart Forsey captured a series of stunning images from Cornwall – which were shared with GB News’ Bev Turner.
“This was the northern lights in Cornwall,” Bev said as she brought The Late Show Live to a close just before 2am. “What a beautiful country we have. Aren’t they incredible?”
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The Met Office said a fast-moving coronal mass ejection was behind the display
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STUART FORSEY
Though some viewers found the lights invisible to the naked eye, long exposure photographs could capture them.
Modern smartphones now include features that allow users to photograph the aurora even when it cannot be seen directly.
Aurora detection app AuroraWatchUK earlier triggered a red alert warning that the Northern lights would be visible nationwide.
Electromagnetic readings spiked above 1,100 nanoteslas, representing exceptionally high levels.
The Met Office explained that a fast-moving coronal mass ejection was responsible for the aurora activity.
Spectacular green and pink flares were visible from Land’s End to John O’Groats
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STUART FORSEY
It said: “The arrival time of the CME is uncertain, but aurora sightings are possible in northern Britain and perhaps in southern areas depending on cloud cover.”
The Met Office added: “We have received reports of the aurora visible as far south as Devon this evening.”
Those hoping to catch the display are told to seek out a dark location and allow 15 minutes for their eyes to adjust.
Bringing a camera is recommended – and viewers should dress warmly, with temperatures plunging to just 3C in Cornwall and below zero in the Highlands.