People in Northern Ireland have a unique chance to witness the Northern Lights on Thursday night, thanks to the Met Office predicting excellent conditions for the aurora due to heightened solar activity.
The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are spectacular light displays created when solar winds—charged particles emitted by the sun—collide with the gases in Earth’s atmosphere. While these breathtaking displays are typically seen close to the polar regions, forecasts indicate that they may be visible much closer to home this time.
This upcoming display comes just days after similar auroras were spotted across Northern Ireland. Throughout 2024, reports of aurora sightings have been frequent, largely attributed to the sun’s 11-year “solar cycle,” which is currently experiencing its peak phase.
Krista Hammond, the Met Office’s space weather manager, noted, “The increased frequency of auroras is due to the sun being at its solar maximum, resulting in more sunspots, which leads to more solar storms that generate the Northern Lights.”
Because of Northern Ireland’s location near the northern horizon and the current solar maximum, residents have had several opportunities to view the aurora this year. However, the vivid colors are often best captured with cameras rather than seen with the naked eye.
John Fagan, who manages the Irish Aurora Chasers Facebook page, assured stargazers that the lights can still be seen without special equipment, but he recommends finding locations with minimal light pollution for the best viewing experience.
“Move away from towns and cities, check out the coast, and try to eliminate any artificial light,” he advised.
Clear skies are crucial for optimal aurora viewing. The forecast for Thursday night indicates there may be some clear breaks, enhancing the likelihood of catching a glimpse of the lights.
To make the most of the experience, stargazers should seek a dark area away from urban light, look towards the north, and be prepared to wait since the brightness of the aurora can change.
The increased chances of Thursday night’s aurora are linked to a geomagnetic storm caused by a surge of solar energy reaching Earth’s atmosphere, which often makes auroras visible at more southern latitudes.
If the skies cooperate, Northern Ireland could be in for a breathtaking natural spectacle.
