Rare ‘Steve’ phenomenon and Northern Lights light up UK skies

On Monday night, UK sky-watchers were treated to the rare Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement (Steve) phenomenon, observed alongside the Northern Lights. Spotted in areas of Scotland and north-east England, Steve was seen as a red streak in the night sky. While often mistaken for an aurora, Steve is distinct and appears as a ribbon of light lasting for 20 minutes to an hour, explained Simon King, BBC’s Lead Weather Presenter.

The appearance of Steve coincided with sightings of the Northern Lights, which were visible as far south as Buckinghamshire and Norfolk. Steve, discovered in 2016, is caused by a fast-moving stream of hot particles known as sub-auroral ion drifts (SAID). Its rarity makes recording it from the ground unusual. The last reported sighting in the UK was in November 2023.

The Northern Lights were also visible throughout the UK, with BBC Weather Watchers reporting stunning displays in the Western Isles and Kent. The increase in solar activity, including one of the largest solar flares in seven years, has contributed to the recent sightings.

As solar winds continue to send charged particles towards Earth, more sightings of the Northern Lights are possible over the coming nights, weather permitting.