NORTHERN Lights are expected to be visible in parts of the UK and Northern Ireland following two massive solar flares.
Auroral displays are forecast to illuminate skies tonight and tomorrow, and possibly into the weekend, according to the Met Office.
The sun unleashed the two massive solar flares in a span of just 24 hours[/caption]
Auroras are caused by giant eruptions known as coronal mass ejections or CMEs and solar flares, explosions of radiation on the sun[/caption]
Though the lights may be accompanied by radio blackouts, which are common with such powerful flares.
The blackouts are expected to range between minor and moderate severity, but may become more apparent as the days pass.
Aurora sightings may be visible across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern parts of England, according to the Met Office.
The sun unleashed the two massive solar flares in a span of just 24 hours.
The second X-class flare clocked in at X7.1 out of a scale of one to nine.
It is the second biggest explosion of radiation from the sun during its current solar cycle 25, according to Spaceweather.com.
A powerful X-class flare can create long lasting radiation storms, which can harm satellites and have the potential to create world-wide blackouts.
Such radiation expulsions can even give airline passengers flying near the poles small radiation doses, according to Nasa.
The double-whammy solar flare come during a period of heightened solar activity, which is expected to cause a 23-year-high in terms of Northern Lights sightings.
The phenomenon is known as the Solar Maximum, which typically comes around every 11 years or so.
This is when the Sun’s activity reaches its peak, and produces more auroral displays.
There are currently up to nine sunspot regions on the side of the Sun that faces Earth.
Auroras – how do they work?
Here’s the official explanation from Nasa…
- The dancing lights of the auroras provide spectacular views on the ground, but also capture the imagination of scientists who study incoming energy and particles from the sun
- Auroras are one effect of such energetic particles.
- These particles can speed out from the sun from giant eruptions known as coronal mass ejections or CMEs and solar flares, explosions of radiation on the sun
- After a trip toward Earth that can last two to three days, the solar particles and magnetic fields cause the release of particles already trapped near Earth, which in turn trigger reactions in the upper atmosphere in which oxygen and nitrogen molecules release photons of light
- The result: the Northern and Southern lights.
Best locations to watch
This week’s Northern Lights display is forecast to only be visible from northern parts of the UK and Northern Ireland.
That’s if the cloud coverage doesn’t shield the display from view.
Shetland Islands – In these Scottish isles, auroral displays are most visible between mid-October and March. But it’s best to avoid the towns and their light pollution.
Eryri, Conwy – Llyn Geirionydd lake, close to the town of Betws-y-Coed, Wales, is a local-favourite viewing spot, with snow-capped peaks in the backdrop.
Malin Head, Inishowen – This is the most northerly point in Ireland, and is one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis on the island.
Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk – This area was graced with bright aurora lights last year, namely in seaside towns Brancaster Staithe and Happisburgh, England.
Keswick, Cumbria – The Lake District, England, is an over-the-radar spot for aurora hunters, but Derwentwater lake next to Keswick is a great place to photograph the lights.
