The Northern Lights illuminated the sky across England and Wales last night (Sunday, April 23), with one of the clearest views of the phenomenon being seen from the Brecon Beacons.
Lancaster University's AuroraWatch issued a rare 'red alert' for the Northern Lights at about 12.50am on Monday morning, reported the Express.
James Darby shared stunning images of the phenomenon as viewed from the Rigos Mountain in South Wales on Twitter. And, down in the far south west of England @official_WXUK tweeted: "Unbelievable and unreal scenes, I can see the beams clear as day with the naked eye. Best picture I've ever taken, ever. Northern lights nr Penzance in Cornwall RIGHT NOW."
It is rare for the aurora borealis to make an appearance so far south in the UK, with sightings also reported as far down as Milton Keynes.
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Shetland Islands residents had the best chance of viewing the light show, with a 60 percent probability of aurora at about 10.30pm. As you head further south, Cornwall, Kent, Wales and Norfolk peaked at a 10 per cent aurora probability. But, that didn't stop some residents catching a glimpse of the glorious lights in action, reported the Mirror.
The Northern Lights are caused by solar activity, according to the Met Office. It said: "The Northern Lights occur as a consequence of solar activity and result from collisions of charged particles in the solar wind colliding with molecules in the Earth's upper atmosphere.
"The best conditions to view the lights are when the sky is dark and clear of any clouds. Cloud cover ultimately blocks the view of the light. Ideally, the lights will be best viewed away from any light pollution, in remote areas, facing the northern horizon - north-facing coasts produce some of the best viewing locations.
"The northern lights are most active during the Equinox and Solstice in March/April and September/October." But, not everybody gets the pleasure of seeing the aurora borealis - so make sure you snap a few pictures if you stumble across it!
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