Stargazers across Wales were treated to a mesmerising display of the Northern Lights on Thursday evening, capturing stunning images of the natural phenomenon. Snappers from various parts of the country, including Brecon, Swansea, and Caerphilly borough, reported sightings of the aurora borealis. The increased solar activity combined with minimal cloud cover created perfect conditions for witnessing the spectacular light show.
This year has seen a higher frequency of aurora sightings across the UK, making it a special year for stargazers. Expert forecasters had predicted the possibility of sightings, with the Met Office suggesting that the Northern Lights could be visible in both northern and southern areas. AuroraWatch UK even issued a red alert for sightings on Thursday evening, raising anticipation among skywatchers.
Nia Harries shared a captivating picture of the Northern Lights from Cefn Bryn-Brain in the Swansea valleys, while Kerri Hillier captured an equally stunning image from Sennybridge, Brecon. Dr Trevor Dines and Mark Atkins also shared their impressive shots of the aurora from the Conwy valley and Deeside, respectively. The Met Office explained that the Northern Lights result from collisions between charged particles in the solar wind and molecules in the earth’s upper atmosphere.
Solar winds, travelling at speeds of around one million miles per hour, interact with the earth’s magnetic field to create the aurora borealis. When the magnetic polarity of the solar wind opposes that of the earth, charged particles are directed towards the magnetic poles, resulting in the beautiful light displays. The arrival of coronal mass ejections from the sun can further enhance the auroras and expand their visibility to lower latitudes.
The magical display of the Northern Lights in Wales on Thursday evening delighted both amateur and professional astronomers, offering a glimpse of the wonders of our solar system. As stargazers continue to capture these awe-inspiring moments, the beauty and mystery of the universe remain a source of fascination for many across the country.