Spectacular aurora borealis visible from Devon to Scotland as solar activity peaks
Category: Arts & Culture
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, illuminated the skies across the UK on the evenings of October 9 and 10, 2026, creating a stunning spectacle that captivated sky-gazers from as far south as Devon to the northern reaches of Scotland. This extraordinary phenomenon was made possible by heightened solar activity, which is expected to continue offering glimpses of the auroras until Tuesday, October 13, under clear skies.
The aurora borealis is typically most visible near the Arctic Circle, but recent geomagnetic storms have pushed the auroras much farther south than usual. The Met Office reported that two glancing coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, followed by a coronal hole high-speed stream, significantly enhanced the auroral oval. These CMEs can travel at speeds of up to several million kilometers per hour and interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating the conditions necessary for the dazzling light displays.
Reports of the northern lights came from various locations across the UK, including Pembrokeshire and Brecon in Wales, Lyme Regis in Dorset, and areas in northern England like Cumbria and North Yorkshire. Images shared on social media showcased vibrant displays of purple, pink, and green lights. Glenn Patrick, a particle physicist at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, shared a stunning image of the auroras over Dorset, stating, “Amazingly, the Northern Lights have returned to Lyme Regis tonight.”
Experts note that 2026 is a peak year for aurora-spotting due to the sun’s heightened activity as part of its 11-year solar activity cycles. The Met Office indicated that the auroras could remain visible until Tuesday, with the best chances occurring in areas with dark skies and clear views to the north. They advised that those wishing to view the lights should seek out locations away from light pollution, such as rural areas or elevated hills.
The Met Office has provided guidance for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. They recommend finding a dark location away from city lights, looking toward the northern horizon, and ensuring a clear night sky with no cloud cover. The excitement surrounding the auroras also comes with a warning; NOAA has cautioned about potential disturbances to power grids, satellite operations, and GPS systems due to the geomagnetic activity.
The auroras are not just a visual delight; they also serve as a reminder of the sun’s influence on Earth. When charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, they excite oxygen and nitrogen atoms, releasing energy in the form of light. Oxygen produces green and, at higher altitudes, rare red auroras, whereas nitrogen creates blue and purple hues. As the geomagnetic activity peaked, the level reached 600nT on Saturday evening, a rare occurrence that allowed the auroras to be seen across the entire UK.
Looking ahead, the Met Office has indicated that sightings of the northern lights could continue through Tuesday, October 13, provided the skies remain clear. This presents a unique opportunity for those in the UK to experience a natural phenomenon that is usually confined to regions much closer to the Arctic Circle. As the weekend progresses, sky-watchers are encouraged to stay vigilant and prepared for another potential display.