Parts of Ireland were treated to a rare and spectacular show last night as the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, painted the night sky in vivid shades of emerald green and violet.
Social media was flooded with stunning photos from across the country, with people in counties including Kerry, Galway and Cork sharing their breathtaking views of the celestial display.
Although the peak of the activity was last night, experts believe there is a strong chance the aurora could return to Ireland again tonight.
This rare appearance of the Northern Lights over Ireland was triggered by a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun - a huge burst of solar particles and magnetic fields launched into space. When one of these CMEs reaches Earth, it can disturb our planet's magnetic field, causing what's known as a geomagnetic storm. These storms energise particles in Earth's atmosphere, which then emit light, creating the Northern Lights we see in the sky.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a rare G3-level geomagnetic storm warning in response to this event. Geomagnetic storms are rated on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). While geomagnetic storms increase the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights, they can also affect communications, GPS, power grids and even space craft and satellite navigation.
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.
The UK's Met Office explained: "A coronal mass ejection (CME) arrived at Earth in the late afternoon on April 15. Its associated effects look set to continue into Wednesday night and bring aurora to parts of the UK and similar geomagnetic latitudes. The auroral oval will ease to background levels thereafter."
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.
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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