Last night, the Northern Lights made a dazzling appearance in the skies above Warrington, treating stargazers to a magnificent show. The Aurora Borealis, one of the most spectacular displays in the night sky, was visible in various parts of the UK, including Warrington.
Photographers like Kim Cox and Jessie Mook were fortunate enough to capture stunning shots of the Northern Lights in different locations such as Dakota Park in Chapelford and Appleton. The Met Office Space Weather forecast had predicted the possibility of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) arrival on the 11th and 12th, leading to minor to moderate geomagnetic storm periods.
Clear skies during the nights of the 11th and 12th provided the perfect opportunity to witness the aurora, with Scotland, northern England, and northern Ireland being potential viewing locations. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.
The vibrant colors seen in the aurora are a result of different gases in the atmosphere being energized by the charged particles. Nitrogen and oxygen, the two most common gases in the atmosphere, emit distinct colors when energized – nitrogen produces purple, blue, and pink hues, while oxygen emits green light.
If you were lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights last night or over the weekend, we would love to see your photos. Share your stunning captures with us by emailing heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk.
The Northern Lights never fail to mesmerize and captivate those who are fortunate enough to witness them. The opportunity to see such a breathtaking natural phenomenon is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the world we live in. So, next time you find yourself under a clear night sky, keep an eye out for the magical dance of colors that is the Northern Lights.
