Clear skies provided the perfect conditions for Ireland to witness a stunning Northern Lights display
The aurora borealis was visible last night over Limerick, casting pink and green hues across the night sky. Many regions of Ireland and parts of Europe were treated to the stunning light display.
With clear skies and ideal weather conditions, spectators had the perfect opportunity to witness the cosmic spectacle. Many shared photos of it on social media, capturing the moment.
According to the latest space weather forecast, there is still a chance to see the Northern Lights in the coming days. However, this opportunity is expected to diminish by October 11, and by October 13, the aurora will likely only be visible in far northern geomagnetic latitudes. Additionally, weather forecasts predict cloudier skies, which may further reduce the chances of seeing the lights.
This event marks the second time this year that the aurora borealis has been visible over Ireland.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are caused by energized particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s upper atmosphere.
The Earth’s magnetic field protects us by deflecting these high-speed particles toward the poles, creating the beautiful ribbons of colour that light up the sky.
Why Do the Northern Lights Appear More Colourful in Photos?
Many observers noticed that the Northern Lights appeared more vibrant and colourful in photos than to the naked eye. This is due to several factors.
Cameras, especially when set to night mode, are designed to detect and amplify colours in low-light conditions. Additionally, many cameras use slow exposure settings, allowing them to capture multiple flickers of the aurora in a single frame, whereas our eyes see them as rapid, successive flashes.