Aurora Borealis: Northern Lights visible in Channel Islands due to solar storm

Saturday, 11 May 2024 06:30

The skies over the Channel Islands were lit up in the bright pink and green of the Northern Lights due to a severe solar storm.

Channel Islanders who stayed up late last night were able to catch a rare glimpse of a spectacular sky show, the Aurora Borealis.

The phenomenon, which is usually only visible from the most northern parts of the British Isles, is caused by charged particles traveling millions of miles and colliding with gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

With plenty of clear skies in the forecast, there is a good chance of seeing the Aurora across the northern half of the UK, and perhaps further south with long exposure photography 📷

However, as the nights are shorter, the duration of any sightings may be limited ✨ pic.twitter.com/bx1QQG9qF0
— Met Office Space (@MetOfficeSpace) May 10, 2024

Some islanders who saw the Aurora Borealis shared their photos on social media, including Jersey's Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham:

Northern Lights over St Ouen #JerseyCI 🇯🇪 https://t.co/7xoBQFjxJI pic.twitter.com/OARRSpSSPh
— Dep. Lyndon Farnham (@lyndonfarnham) May 10, 2024

Others described the sight as 'magical' and 'a dream come true' to be able to see the Northern Lights at the most southerly point in the British Isles:

Just can't get over how special last night was, and seems like it was back with a vengeance after I'd gone to bed! Today will definitely be fueled by coffee! #aurora #northernlights #jersey pic.twitter.com/mt1F1g9Lx0
— Dr Pineapple (@Jsysco) May 11, 2024

Northern Lights absolutely incredible over #GUERNSEY. Can see them with naked eye. Camera is picking up the red, pink, green shades like never seen@SimonOKing. @astro_timpeake #aurora #Auroraborealis #NorthernLights https://t.co/eFBB19lLs7 pic.twitter.com/Iyj1bRQsA2
— William Green (@politicseditor) May 10, 2024

St Saviour, Jersey looking magical. #aurora #northernlights #jerseyci pic.twitter.com/nzuoEjENZ7
— Anthony Dearie (@AnthonyDearie) May 11, 2024

A dream come true seeing the #northenlights with my clan 💚 #auroreboreale #bucketlist ✅ pic.twitter.com/Gvr7s5QkCS
— Elaine Walker☘️ (@ewalkerbyrne) May 11, 2024

Wow spectacular northern lights show… as far south as Guernsey! #aurora #NorthernLights pic.twitter.com/mTzNUiwTg6
— Mike Leonard (@Mikeylbikey) May 10, 2024