The UK could witness another spectacular display of the Northern Lights following a significant event on the surface of the Sun. A massive X-class solar flare erupted from a sunspot region on Thursday, marking a powerful solar ejection. The Solar Dynamics Observatory operated by NASA captured an image of this event. Solar flares release bursts of radiation, which, although unable to penetrate Earth’s atmosphere to impact humans directly, can disrupt the atmosphere where GPS and communication signals travel.
This event comes on the heels of a stunning show of the Northern Lights illuminating the skies with shades of green and pink across northern England. The aurora borealis was visible over Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside on Thursday evening. The bright hues of green and subtle pinks created a mesmerising sight, with ideal viewing conditions in place. The natural phenomenon was also spotted in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey from the Met Office noted that Thursday night had provided ideal conditions for aurora displays, with minimal cloud cover. These displays occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere near the magnetic poles, emitting light at different wavelengths and painting colourful displays in the sky. Most of this activity typically takes place within a region known as the aurora oval, spanning latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees.
Following the solar activity, the Met Office hinted at the possibility of the Northern Lights being visible again on Friday night into Saturday, although the display was expected to be weaker. Strong solar flares like the recent one can lead to coronal mass ejections (CME), eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields that may cause geomagnetic storms when directed towards Earth. While these storms create magnificent aurora displays, they can also disrupt navigation systems, radio communications, and impact the power grid.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory closely monitored the Sun’s activity, studying dynamics to enhance understanding of solar variability. The Met Office forecasts another CME arrival overnight from Friday into Saturday, potentially offering further visible aurora displays in northern UK regions, primarily Scotland. As sky gazers eagerly anticipate the possibility of witnessing this natural spectacle once more, the cosmic dance between the Sun and Earth continues to enchant and awe observers across the UK.