Northern lights were visible far south of their usual Arctic range across the United Kingdom after rare geomagnetic activity lit up the skies with bright bands of pink, purple and green.
Stargazers photographed the display from the Scottish Highlands to southern English counties including Devon, Hampshire and Kent.
Solar activity behind the colourful UK light show
The Met Office said the show was caused by higher solar activity as the Sun moves closer to the peak phases of its regular eleven-year cycle. Energetic charged particles from the Sun collided with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere, releasing different wavelengths of energy.
Nitrogen produced purple and blue drapes across the horizon, while oxygen interactions created vivid green hues.
Viewing conditions and forecast for the coming nights
Space weather analysts said the strong solar storm produced ideal viewing conditions nationwide. Thousands of amateur photographers and astronomers shared long-exposure photos online.
The Met Office said the lights are possible tonight and tomorrow night, depending on cloud cover. They are expected to be weaker tonight, most likely visible across Scotland, before strengthening again on Monday night and possibly reaching further south into central areas.
Although peak intensity occurred over the weekend, UK meteorological officials warned that observers may get another chance under clear skies later in the week, due to residual geomagnetic enhancements.
