On Thursday night, the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, lit up the skies over southern England, creating a stunning visual treat. This breathtaking display, usually seen in polar regions, extended its reach to Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. According to BBC Weather, this was the most powerful and widespread sighting of the Northern Lights in the UK since May.
Simon King, the BBC’s Lead Weather Presenter, noted, “What used to be a rare event in the UK—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the lights or a trip to the Arctic Circle—has become increasingly common over the past few years.” The rise in aurora sightings in the UK is linked to shifts in solar activity.
Meteorologists suggest using long exposure photography to best capture this phenomenon, as it often isn’t easily detectable with the naked eye. Many photographers contributed their stunning images to BBC South East, featuring the vibrant pink and green hues that lit up the region’s skies. The lights were spotted in various locations, including Brighton, Eastbourne, and Sevenoaks, with many breathtaking photos taken above well-known landmarks and scenic landscapes.
The captivating display of the aurora not only highlighted this atmospheric event, typically reserved for northern latitudes, but also brought joy to both experienced photographers and curious residents in southern England.
