A geomagnetic storm has increased the chances of seeing the Northern Lights illuminate the Irish sky. While not as strong as past displays, visibility is expected to be particularly good in counties Donegal and Mayo. Astronomy Ireland and meteorologists explain the increased aurora activity due to the peak of the solar activity cycle.
The Northern Lights are predicted to illuminate the Irish skies tonight as a geomagnetic storm has been detected this week. This atmospheric phenomenon can be tracked using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ), which provides a thirty-minute forecast for the Aurora. Ireland experienced a particularly vivid display of the Northern Lights in October, and while this week's show might not be as strong, it's expected to be visible, especially in two counties.
Astronomy Ireland's David Moore told the Irish Sun: 'Tonight's display won't be like the one we saw in October or May of last year, but all predictions are saying that it will be seen tonight. 'In places like Donegal and Mayo they have an advantage. 'Along with being more north of the country, they don't have the usual light pollution as counties further south.' The less light pollution and the further north you are, the more likely it is to see the lights, provided it's a clear, cloud-free night. Ireland has two officially recognized dark sky places: Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve and Mayo International Dark Sky Park. For those hoping to witness the aurora, finding a dark spot and following the forecast are your best options.Numerous sightings of the aurora borealis have been reported throughout 2024, and it seems we can witness this event more frequently now than ever before. There's a scientific reason behind this increase in Northern Lights visibility. Johan Jaques, Chief Meteorologist at KISTERS, explained to RSVP Live that the magic behind the aurora borealis lies within the solar activity cycle. Periods of higher activity result in stronger and more frequent Northern Lights displays. Johan explains, 'The main reason we are seeing an increasing number of aurora sightings over Irish skies, at lower latitudes than we're perhaps used to, is due to heightened solar activity. 'We are currently approaching the peak of solar activity in Solar Cycle 25. This cycle will continue until 2030 but will peak next year. It's usually more visible around the spring and autumn equinoxes when the sun is perpendicular to the Earth's equator.' This means the sun is emitting more charged particles (or solar wind), which, in conjunction with Earth’s magnetic field, cause more vivid and widespread aurora displays. Large solar flares and geomagnetic storms can also push the aurora's visibility further south, reaching places like Ireland and Scotland. Johan also noted that improved technologies play a role in the increased frequency of sightings. Johan said: 'The fact that people have better means, via apps and smartphones, of knowing when the aurora borealis is coming and can capture it with their phones, without expensive photography equipment, also plays a part.
Weather Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Geomagnetic Storm Ireland Donegal Mayo Solar Activity NOAA Astronomy Ireland
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