Northern Lights Showcase a Stunning Display Across Ireland’s Night Skies

Introduction

The Northern Lights, which are apt to throw a rare display now and then, put on a gorgeous show across Ireland last night. The atmospheric phenomenon, officially named the Aurora Borealis, was captured by several in Ireland on Wednesday night, with those who were lucky enough to stare up gasped in awe as images of the celestial spectacle were posted across social media. While such things are not usually associated with Ireland, perfect geomagnetic and weather conditions caused this moment to occur.

What Are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis is a pretty cool natural light display that often only happens in high latitude regions near the magnetic poles like Norway, Sweden, parts of Canada, and other big places (but mostly Sweden). 

It’s caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. When solar wind charged particles get carried into Earth’s atmosphere, they collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, producing a beautiful light show.

The type of gas involved in the collision determines the colour of the Northern Lights. The most common, green colour, happens when solar particles hit oxygen lower down. 

The composition is such that oxygen at altitudes higher up produces pink and red lights, such as seen in Ireland last night. Moreover, collisions with nitrogen cause blue or purple colours. These illuminate for the centuries mind-boggling illuminations these colours blend to make.

Exceptional Solar Activity Expected in 2024

Increased solar activity seems to be the reason for the extraordinary increase in Aurora Borealis sightings worldwide this year.

MTU’s Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork Education Officer Frances McCarthy said scientists knew the Northern Lights would be visible over Ireland because of heightened activity on the surface of the sun. “It’s incredibly rare to have them this far south,” McCarthy explained, adding that an active sun and favourable magnetic fields gave Ireland “this wonderful treat.”

The 11 year solar cycle involves highs as well as lows of activity of the sun. Times of high activity, called the solar maximum, are when the sun sends more energy in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), according to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. 

These CMEs, or Coronal Mass Ejections, are large solar wind and magnetic field events arising from above the sun’s surface, and can directly impact Earth’s magnetic field.

Auroras have become more frequent and intense as 2024 brings more intense solar activity. Solar winds which hit Earth’s magnetic field funnel charged particles towards the poles, where they collide with atmospheric gases to spark a Northern Lights display. These solar storms explain why we’ve seen more auroras in Ireland and other areas this year.

Last Night’s Aurora Borealis in Ireland

Ireland saw one of Northern Lights displays lighting up the night skies over several regions of the country – including Donegal, Mayo and as far south as Cork – last night. The entire experience was termed as a wonderful sight to watch by occasional watchers, stargazers and astronomers alike.

Auroral displays such as this are unusual in Ireland but exceptional solar activity this year has made them more likely, Frances McCarthy noted. However, the strong solar storm meant that auroras are observed farther south than usual, she added.

Earlier, the UK Met Office had reported that a coronal mass ejection from the sun was earth bound and so northern areas of the UK were likely to be able to see the Aurora Borealis. 

Auroras are more common among residents of Scotland and northern England, but an unusual and rare event indeed was the appearance of the lights in Ireland.

Northern Lights Seen Across The Globe

In 2023, the Aurora Borealis grabbed headlines earlier this year, visible across many countries across the world.

Geomagnetic storms brought about by a CME in February and March allowed people in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia to watch this gorgeous natural show. And the lights were seen as far south as Nebraska in the U.S., and parts of the UK, Scotland and even parts of England saw dazzling auroral displays.

In Canada. where auroras are more common, Alberta and Manitoba were where some of the year’s brightest Northern Lights were seen. 

In Europe, similarly, countries such as Norway, Sweden, Portugal and Finland all saw intense auroral activity, with colours ranging from green to deep purples. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, also said it saw the Aurora Borealis.

Northern Lights Seen This Time Around

Solar activity in 2024 has made for an even higher surge in global sightings of Northern Lights this year. Another CME in October prompted a round of sightings of the ‘Aurora Borealis’ worldwide with the lights spotted even as far south as the northern USA, Ireland and the southern areas of Britain.

In North America, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan states saw some of the best displays, while Canadians in cities such as Edmonton and Yellowknife were treated to the brightest auroras they’ve seen in years.

The Northern Lights were visible yet again in northern England and Scotland in the UK, and as far south as Northumberland as well.

In Ireland, where intense auroral activity is so rare, the Aurora Borealis made its colourfully illuminated presence known in the form of vivid pink and green hues.

How Long Will the Northern Lights Be Visible?

The Northern Lights are an exceptional occurrence, but last night’s display in Ireland won’t be repeated tonight, Frances McCarthy from BlackRock Castle Observatory warned. Watching auroras is a function of both solar activity, geomagnetic conditions, and weather, she said. 

Moreover, you need to be on the “dark side of the world” to witness the lights, meaning that they are most visible at night and under clear skies. However, United Kingdom skies might receive yet another episode of experiencing the Northern Lights tonight.

Funnily enough, the sun is still active and there’s likely to be more CMEs later this year, opening up other chances to watch the Aurora Borealis from areas away from the poles.

Northern Lights: A Global Phenomenon

One of the most amazing natural occurrences in the world – Northern Lights – captivate people with their amazing beauty and otherworldly glow. The added solar activity this year has made the lights visible in areas that don’t normally see them this time of year. 

For millions of people from Ireland to North America and beyond, the Aurora Borealis remains an unforgettable natural phenomena, and considered as a wonderful treat to experience.

Solar activity remains high and you may have more chances to see the Northern Lights in the coming months. But, for now, last night’s auroral display will be termed as a rare and magical event in the night skies across Ireland, a reminder of the universe’s beauty that sometimes graces our world.

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