A combination of a rare high geomagnetic activity level and cloud-free night skies treated many parts of the UK to a superb aurora demonstration last night, as the greenish skies were seen as far south as Norfolk and the Isle of Man. Here are some of the finest photos snapped from sky-afire UK.
Spectacular views of #NorthernLights in many parts of UK http://t.co/78P7Vg4rKl #Aurora pic.twitter.com/si2ginf7dK
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) February 27, 2014
The BBC was on the case, with its late-night social media worker alerting the nation that it might be a good idea to go outside, especially if somewhere a bit northern. [BBCBreaking]
This actually just happened...stunned....from my house at 8pm in Foxley, Norfolk... pic.twitter.com/l51V4woGGc
— Chris Bell (@stormbell) February 27, 2014
While the aurora is often visible in Scotland and parts of the north, it's rare that it's so easily viewable from down south. Especially not as far as Norfolk. [Chris Bell]
Aurora over the Isle of Man tonight! pic.twitter.com/SHGjrlB5dw
— Peter Christian (@manxmannin) February 28, 2014
From the Isle of Man, where the only colours in the sky they usually see are from the flames of the fires they light to burn outsiders. [Peter Christian]
Aurora over Anglesey (@VirtualAstro ) pic.twitter.com/QAzX3e8Y6W
— Adi Kingsley-Hughes (@the_pc_doc) February 28, 2014
From Angelsey, where the only colours in the sky they usually see are from... etc etc. [Adi Kingsley-Hughes]
Some really spectacular skies here in St Andrews tonight! #aurora @astrosoc_sta @VirtualAstro pic.twitter.com/U5NvSCBR3F
— Steven Thomson (@PhysicsSteve) February 28, 2014
Hope you didn't spend last night in bed crying a bit while scrolling though people being angry with each other on Twitter. [Stephen Thomson]
#Aurora got brighter and very colourful in greens and reds. It stretch right across the sky. pic.twitter.com/7kRsqtbbRm
— GallowayAstro (@Gallowayastro) February 28, 2014
An amazing shot from GallowayAstro, who's cheating a bit by being in Scotland and using a proper camera. [GallowayAstro]
@SkyNews @SkyNewsBreak http://t.co/boS4FLNxFt pic.twitter.com/mMpqAWM9di” GRIM UP NORTH??? Stunning pic of last nights aurora by David West
— David West (@davidwestphoto) February 28, 2014
We think the idea is you need a tripod and a long exposure setting to get a decent shot. Ask David how it's done. [David West]
I think NASA wins the #Aurora pics. Unfair advantage :-) #stunning pic.twitter.com/INF7BPVn3E
— Roddy MacKay (@The_Badgeman) February 27, 2014
Obviously those with access to the clear skies of SPACE won the day, though. [Roddy MacKay]
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