Aurora forecast: Northern Lights to dazzle Northern Ireland’s skies tonight

Northern Lights are vibrant light shows created when solar winds interact with Earth's atmospheric gases

Stargazers in Northern Ireland have a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on Thursday night, as the Met Office predicts favourable conditions for the aurora due to increased solar activity.

The Northern Lights, also called the aurora borealis, are colourful light displays caused by solar winds—charged particles from the sun—colliding with gases in Earth's atmosphere. Typically seen near the polar regions, these stunning lightshows are expected to be visible closer to home.

Thursday’s potential aurora comes just days after similar displays were captured across Northern Ireland. Reports of aurora sightings have been frequent throughout 2024, thanks in part to the sun’s 11-year "solar cycle," which is currently at its solar maximum.

Krista Hammond, the Met Office’s space weather manager, explained: “We’re seeing more frequent auroras because the sun is at its solar maximum, which means more sunspots, leading to more solar storms that create the Northern Lights.”

Northern Ireland’s position near the northern horizon, combined with the solar maximum, has given locals multiple chances to witness the aurora this year. However, vivid colours are often better captured through cameras, rather than with the naked eye.

John Fagan, who runs the Irish Aurora Chasers Facebook page, reassured that the lights can still be seen without equipment, but advised stargazers to head to areas with little light pollution for the best chance of seeing the full display.

“Get away from towns and cities, head to the coast, and make sure to avoid any artificial light,” he said.

For optimal viewing, clear skies are essential. Thursday night’s forecast suggests that some clear patches are likely, increasing the chances of seeing the aurora.

To enhance the experience, stargazers should find a dark location away from city lights, look north, and be patient as the aurora may fluctuate in brightness.

The heightened likelihood of Thursday night’s display is due to a geomagnetic storm triggered by a burst of solar energy reaching Earth’s atmosphere, which often amplifies the auroras, making them visible at lower latitudes.

If the skies stay clear, Northern Ireland may be treated to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights.