<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0Qjvga_0w1kvbRB00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0Qjvga_0w1kvbRB00" width="1024" height="576" > Stargazers have a good opportunity to witness the Northern Lights on Thursday night, with the Met Office predicting a strong chance of the aurora being visible in Northern Ireland. Due to increased solar activity, the atmospheric conditions are ripe for this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, offering locals a chance to experience the stunning lightshow close to home. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> The Northern Lights, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26381685?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bnewsbreak.com%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D" rel="nofollow"> also known as the aurora borealis </a> , are vibrant light displays that occur in the sky, usually near the polar regions. The lights are created when charged particles from the sun, known as solar winds, collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere. <h2> Why are sightings more frequent? </h2> Thursday's possible aurora comes <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/articles/c4g0j7zn813o?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bnewsbreak.com%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D" rel="nofollow"> just days after a similar display </a> , which was caught on camera across Northern Ireland. Numerous sightings have been reported throughout 2024, marking a year of frequent auroras in regions not usually accustomed to them. According to the Met Office, this is likely helped by the sun's "solar cycle", a natural 11-year cycle of activity. Krista Hammond, Met Office space weather manager, said: "The sun goes from solar minimum, where we see very few sunspots, to solar maximum, where we see the most. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> "Sunspots are responsible for solar storms, which create the Northern Lights. "As it is now, we are at what is expected to be the solar maximum, so we are seeing a lot of sunspots and more frequent auroras." With Northern Ireland’s proximity to the northern horizon and the current solar maximum, residents have been fortunate enough to enjoy these rare displays on multiple occasions this year. However, it is worth noting that more often than not, the more vivid lights can only be observed through cameras, including those many of us have on our smartphones, and not with the naked eye. "You can definitely see the aurora with the naked eye, including all of the various colours", according to John Fagan who runs popular Facebook page, Irish Aurora Chasers. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> "I've seen all of the colours without any equipment, but you need to make sure you are away from any light pollution for the best chance of seeing the lights. "Get out of the towns and cities, and head to the coasts, and make sure to turn off your car headlights so as not to ruin it for others." <h2> Best conditions for viewing </h2> To catch a glimpse of the aurora, clear skies are essential. Thursday night's weather forecast suggests there will be patches of clear skies, increasing the likelihood of seeing the display. For the best viewing experience, it's recommended to: <ul><li> Find a dark location: Light pollution from towns and cities can obscure the aurora. Head to rural areas or open spaces with a clear view of the northern horizon for the best chance to see the lights. </li><li> Look north: The aurora typically appears low on the northern horizon from Northern Ireland, so positioning yourself with a clear view in that direction is key. </li><li> Be patient: The aurora can be faint at first and may fluctuate in intensity. Staying outside for a while will give you a better chance of catching the full spectacle. </li></ul><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><h2> Why Thursday night? </h2> The reason for Thursday night's heightened chance is due to a geomagnetic storm caused by a burst of solar energy reaching Earth's atmosphere. This type of solar event can supercharge the auroras, making them visible at lower latitudes than usual. With a little luck and clear skies, Northern Ireland may be treated to one of nature’s most beautiful and mesmerizing displays. Keep your eyes to the skies later. <ul><li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy437gnp28zo?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bnewsbreak.com%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D" rel="nofollow"> Northern Lights possible as solar storms gather </a></li><li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26381685?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bnewsbreak.com%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D" rel="nofollow"> What are the Northern Lights? </a></li></ul></div></body>

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Eyes to the skies for Northern Lights spectacle

A geomagnetic storm means stargazers could be in luck with spotting the Northern Lights on Thursday.

Eyes to the skies for Northern Lights spectacle

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