Incredible Northern Lights display should be visible across Northern Ireland this week
You should be able to watch with the naked eye 👀 🌌
Seeing the northern lights with your own eyes is a bucket-list item for astronomy lovers and travellers alike.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) has issued a 'Geomagnetic Disturbance Alert' this week - meaning it's a prime time for keen night sky-watchers to catch a rare glimpse of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own home.
Skies across Northern Ireland are expected to be clearer on Thursday night rather than on Friday. Belfast is expected to be relatively cloudless between 9pm and 10pm on Thursday, with temperatures falling between 0C to -3C, so wrap up warm.
What are the Northern Lights?
The northern lights, or the aurora borealis, are beautiful waves of light that dance across the sky.
They appear when highly charged solar wind particles flowing from the sun collide with air molecules in the earth’s atmosphere transferring their energy into light.
The best hope of viewing the phenomenon is with clear night-time sky conditions, so more than likely in the countryside, away from city 'light pollution'
As we move into Friday and the weekend it looks more showery and cloudy weather is on the way, so tonight’s your best bet.
Check out some of NI’s most popular stargazing spots:
Darvagh Forest, Cookstown
Davagh Forest Park is the first place in Northern Ireland to be accredited as an IDA International Dark Sky Park. It is one of only 85 places around the globe to hold this distinction.
Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge site is classified as one of the best places in Northern Ireland for stargazing. Periodically Carrick-a-Rede hosts special star gazing evenings for astronomy fans.
The entire The Antrim coast road offers points where the aurora sometimes makes an impactful show at night.
Mourne Mountains, Newcastle
There's no need to worry about finding a decent spot for your car or struggling with crowds to see the stars. The Mournes offer miles and miles of stunning scenery, hiking trails and nocturnal skies.
This is truly the perfect spot, void of any light pollution, so pitch up a tent and fall asleep staring at the twinkling sky above.
Oxford Island, Craigavon
Nestled on the banks of Lough Neagh sits Oxford Island! Fun fact: the area has hosted BBC Stargazing Live and has been named a top Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Delamont Country Park, Downpatrick
Another tranquil spot, this time situated on the shores of Strangford Lough.
This beautiful 200-acre park hosts monthly events here with the Irish Astro Association. These sessions cater for everyone no matter their experience, and all ages are welcome.
Divis Mountain, Belfast
The closest stargazing spot to Belfast has to be Divis Mountain, that towers over the city 478m high. The views overlooking the capital city are spectacular but cast your eyes to the skies and you'll still have plenty to see.
Th elevation is so high here, towards the top of the mountain sees very little light pollution from the city below.
Benone Beach, Limavady
Stretching from Lough Foyle and Magilligan Point to Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, enjoy seven miles of golden sands and unparalleled views across to Donegal. There's something so special gazing at the night sky with the sound of waves in the distance.
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