Skygazers treated to Northern Lights show across Wales – with more to come

Skygazers across Wales have been treated to a stunning show of the Northern Lights – with experts saying there is still more to come.

The sun has now entered its period of greatest activity, which means we could be seeing more colourful displays of the aurora borealis until the middle of next year.

Hope you enjoy these timelapses showing last nights EPIC northern lights display over Wales. Did you see it?

📌 Mwnt, Llangrannog, Dryslwyn Castle#astrophotography #aurora #auroraborealis #northernlights @TamithaSkov @TweetAurora @Luminar_Neo @BBCWalesNews @ProfBrianCox pic.twitter.com/aHa58H9t8e

— Mathew Browne (@mathewbrowne) October 11, 2024

Our home star typically follows an 11-year-cycle, with periods of intense activity followed by a quiet phase.

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Collision

During its active bursts, also known as solar maximum, the sun releases charged particles that travel through space at speeds of around one million miles per hour.

Some of the particles are captured by the Earth’s magnetic field and collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms and molecules in the atmosphere.

Northern Lights in Wales last night, unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/qTyKuPJAVC

— Lis 👻 (@lisajt_x) October 11, 2024

These atoms and molecules then shed the energy they gained from the collision, emitting light at various wavelengths to create colourful displays in the night sky.

According to Nasa, oxygen emits either a greenish-yellow light – which is the most familiar colour of the aurora – or a red light, while nitrogen generally gives off a blue light.

Northern Lights, Wales @metoffice pic.twitter.com/slVVd1qv27

— kate (@katecicely) October 10, 2024

The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites.

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Phenomena

Photos of the dazzling natural phenomenon were captured across Wales last night, with the glorious sight being witnessed across the entire country.

The current peak is expected to until mid-2025, according to the Royal Astronomical Society.

Just after 10pm, the Northern Lights put on an even better show. The Berwyn's, North Wales.#Aurore #Auroraborealis #northernlights pic.twitter.com/y5F5LqT0OR

— Richard Bowler (@RichardBowler1) October 11, 2024

After that, aurora displays will only be visible in high latitude countries such as Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Scandinavia, Finland and Russia.

The southern lights, or aurora australis, can be observed in Antarctica, New Zealand and Australia.