Swaths of the country enjoyed a dazzling display of the aurora borealis thanks to a lucky combination of weather conditions

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Stargazers across the UK have been treated to a dazzling display of the northern lights.

The aurora borealis was visible as far south as Oxfordshire on Sunday evening as the weather cleared, painting the night sky with shades of green, purple and blue.

The ethereal spectacle is caused by charged solar particles interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field and is usually only visible in the far north of Scotland.

A “lucky combination” of conditions in the lower atmosphere and in space meant the aurora was visible across swaths of the country, Met Office space weather adviser Amanda Townsend said.

“Once in a while the solar winds are enhanced to levels stronger than normal, with particles at higher speeds, and on this occasion it has connected really well with the Earth’s magnetic field.”

In addition to the cosmic weather being just right, conditions closer to the ground favoured those who ventured out into the cold to see the spectacle. Skies were clear over much of Scotland and England and many shared their photos of the phenomenon on social media.

Sunderland-based photographer Dean Matthews tweeted this picture of the lights:

Dean Matthews (@Dean_Matthews_) The amazing northern lights seen from Seaburn in #Sunderland #CityByTheSea @1034SunFM @SunderlandEcho @itvtynetees pic.twitter.com/x4aZvi1c0k

And astronomer Joe Llama added his photograph.

Joe Llama (@joe_llama) The #NorthernLights are shining over @univofstandrews pic.twitter.com/3byE93IoFi

Those who missed the stellar light show in England might have to wait a while for the next display. “The strongest part of the geomagnetic storm has passed and it probably won’t be as strong on Monday night, so the main places to see aurora will be in north Scotland,” Townsend said.