Environment

Northern Lights seen over Donegal

Skygazers across UK and nothern parts of Ireland enjoy celestial display

Timelapse footage of the Northern Lights over Lough Neagh, including one keen paddleboarder. Video: Tam Mullen/SWNS TV
Wed Mar 18 2015 - 11:37

Skygazers have been treated to another spectacular display of the Northern Lights over the skies of Britain and northern Donegal.

Increased solar activity meant that people further North had the chance of catching the colourful phenomenon in the early hours of Wednesday.

The Northern Lights can be seen more clearly in areas absent from light pollution, making Inishowen supposedly the best place in Ireland to see the celestial display.

The aurora borealis, or the northern lights as they are commonly known, at Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District, with Blencathra and Skiddaw behind. Photograph: Tom White/PA Wire
The aurora borealis, or the northern lights as they are commonly known, at Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District, with Blencathra and Skiddaw behind. Photograph: Tom White/PA Wire
The aurora borealis, or the northern lights as they are commonly known, at Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District, with Blencathra and Skiddaw behind. Photograph: Tom White/PA Wire
The aurora borealis, or the northern lights as they are commonly known, at Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District, with Blencathra and Skiddaw behind. Photograph: Tom White/PA Wire

The aurora borealis is caused by eruptions on the surface of the Sun and recent activity has been unexpectedly strong.