Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024
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THE Northern Lights has lit up the night sky with rare sightings across the country.

The lights, also known as aurora borealis, has been spotted in Whitley Bay on the north east coast, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Wokingham in Berkshire.

The array of lights could be seen in Minster on Sea in Kent7

The array of lights could be seen in Minster on Sea in KentCredit: Alamy
The stunning light show overlooking St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay on the North East coast

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The stunning light show overlooking St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay on the North East coastCredit: PA
Sky watchers in Kendal, Cumbria, enjoy the incredible lights

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Sky watchers in Kendal, Cumbria, enjoy the incredible lightsCredit: Alamy

Kathleen Cunnea, in Great Horkesley, Essex, said: “It was absolutely stunning to see.”

Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said on Friday there was a good chance for the Northern Lights to be seen.

He said: “Although the shorter nights will limit the visibility window, there’s a good chance to see the aurora, particularly on Friday night and especially in Scotland, Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales.

“There could even be visibility further south if you have the right equipment.

“Those conditions could continue on Saturday night but we still have to work out some details on where exactly that will be.”

Mr Dixon said the combination of clear skies and enhanced activity from the sun reaching Earth would improve the chances of seeing the display.

Aurora displays occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere around the magnetic poles.

In the northern hemisphere, most of this activity takes place within a band known as the aurora oval, covering latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees.

When activity is strong, this expands to cover a greater area – which explains why displays can be occasionally seen as far south as the UK.

The lights could also be seen in Liverpool

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The lights could also be seen in LiverpoolCredit: PA
A view of Aberystwyth war memorial and spectacular show of the Aurora Borealis

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A view of Aberystwyth war memorial and spectacular show of the Aurora BorealisCredit: Alamy
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are seen over Northwood, in north west London

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The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are seen over Northwood, in north west LondonCredit: Alamy
People in Aberystwyth had a spectacular show of the Aurora Borealis

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People in Aberystwyth had a spectacular show of the Aurora BorealisCredit: Alamy
Aurora could be visible all over Scotland tonight as strongest geomagnetic storm for 20 years to hit Earth

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