If you have missed the recent Northern Lights sightings here in the south of England then worry not, as experts say the phenomenon will likely be more visible than usual here over the next two years. The Aurora Borealis made an appearance in skies above Cornwall, Kent, Cambridgeshire and Shropshire among other locations earlier this week - and on Monday night (February, 27) one Bristol resident captured a rather stunning photo of it here, too.
The purple-green glow in the sky, rarely seen so far south, was photographed in Aust at around 9pm. A Met Office spokesperson said sightings here are due to the strength of a geomagnetic storm and the "strip of cloudless skies" in southern regions.
Astronomers say that we may have more chances to see the lights in our neck of the woods over the next two years, as the sun becomes more active with the approach of the solar maximum, The Telegraph reports. But just what does this all mean?
Read more: Witnesses say 'Northern Lights' seen over Bristol after sky tinged with green
What are the Northern Lights?
According to an article on the aptly named website, Space.com: "The Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis, are beautiful dancing waves of light that have captivated people for millennia. But for all its beauty, this spectacular light show is a rather violent event.
"Energized particles from the sun slam into Earth's upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 million mph (72 million kph), but our planet's magnetic field protects us from the onslaught. As Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles - there are southern lights, too - the dramatic process transforms into a cinematic atmospheric phenomenon that dazzles and fascinates scientists and skywatchers alike."
Red and pink light is produced from collisions with nitrogen molecules at low altitudes, while green light is produced by oxygen molecules higher up.
What is the 'solar maximum'?
The 'solar maximum' is the regular period of greatest solar activity during the sun's 11-year solar cycle. Large solar storms often occur during solar maximum - the 'Carrington Event' was the most intense geomagnetic storm in recorded history, peaking from September 1 to 2, 1859 and creating strong auroral displays reported globally and even causing sparking and fires in multiple telegraph stations.
A geomagnetic storm also left six million people without power in 1989, Apollo astronauts narrowly missed being exposed to deadly radiation in 1972 and solar flares in 2003 forced the crew of the International Space Station to take cover, The Telegraph reports.
Predictions of a future solar maximum's timing and strength are very difficult and predictions are said to vary widely. There was a solar maximum in 2000 and in 2006, NASA initially expected a solar maximum in 2010 or 2011, and thought that it could be the strongest since 1958.
However, the solar maximum was not declared to have occurred until 2014, and even then that year was ranked among the weakest on record. The current solar cycle began in December 2019 and our next solar maximum is set to peak in July 2025, while astronomers say that the increased activity we are seeing now bodes well for future displays of the Northern Lights in the UK.
Getting a glimpse of the Northern Lights
Meteorologists from the Met Office said: "The lights generally extend from 50 miles to as high as 400 miles above the Earth's surface. The best conditions to view the lights are when the sky is dark and clear of any clouds.
"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."
A Twitter account (@aurorawatchuk) run by space physicists at Lancaster University is worth a follow by anyone who is interested in getting a glimpse of the Northern Lights. They provide regular updates and information around when and where you may be able to view the lights in the UK next.
Have you spotted the Northern Lights here in the UK? Share your pictures with us by emailing ellie.kendall@reachplc.com.
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