There may not be snow forecast for Christmas Day this year, but for people in northern latitudes, the space weather forecast is much more promising! Last night, skywatchers lucky enough to have a clear view of the northern horizon were treated to an unexpectedly strong display of the Aurora Borealis, and here are some of our favourites..
“Visible to naked eye including pillars! So amazing I even cried!”Lindsey Taylor saw the northern lights from Saltburn & Staithes in England.
“Live from the Waterford/Tipperary border in the Knockmealdowns #aurora.”credit: Aurora Alert Ireland
Aurora Borealis seen from Warrenpoint, Co. Downcredit: Ryan Simpson
Karen Munro tweeted “Amazing Aurora in Thurso, northern Scotland at 23.30 UTC. Faint corona overhead as well.”
“At 51.9 degrees latitude, these must be among the most southerly aurora photos tonight. Low light pollution helps.”credit: Colm Ryan
“#Aurora tonight, probably some of the best be seen in Scotland.” The view from Scotland was even better, with @Jailender tweeting capturing a great image of the aurora and a moonbow!
“Phenomenal Aurora display over Youghal, East Cork.” John Delaney took this beauty from Youghal in Co. Cork.
“For five minutes the aurora went bonkers at York Beach, ME tonight.” Rob Wright tweeted this stunning picture from Maine.
The view from Kilcock, Co. Kildarecredit: @_Dale__ on Twitter
With KP levels reaching a high of KP 7 on the night of December 20, Astronomy Ireland were quick to send out an email to its subscribers alerting people of the increased solar activity;
“Conditions have continued to be active and the Northern Lights have been seen from Ireland this evening, Sunday Dec. 20! We expect them to be visible for several hours, possibly even until dawn (7am).”
Didn’t get a chance to see the aurora? Don’t worry- we’re being told to keep our eyes peeled- “It would be a good idea to keep checking the north horizon for a day or two just in case.”
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