Clear skies tonight over Northern Ireland could make Northern Lights visible tonight
The Northern Lights may illuminate the sky over parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland on Monday night and early Tuesday morning, the Met Office has said.
The lights, also known as aurora borealis, are most likely to be visible in areas of clear sky.
How to take aurora photos 👇
The Met Office recommends placing your camera or smart phone in a tripod, facing up to the sky. Use a wide-angle lens to get as much of the sky as possible, and a remote shutter release or self timer will stop movement when you make your exposure.
If you’re using a proper camera, the Met Office suggests playing around with the exposure - try setting your camera’s ISO to 1600 or 3200, an aperture of f/2.8 or f/4 and try a shutter speed of 8 to 15 seconds, depending on the brightness of the auroras,’ it suggests.
Northern Ireland's five-day forecast 👇
Today: Overnight fog patches dispersing to leave a fine, dry day with sunny spells. A canopy of higher cloud will make the sunshine rather hazy at times. A chilly start, then feeling warm in the afternoon sunshine. Maximum temperature 19 °C.
Tonight: It will stay dry overnight with clear periods. Some patches of mist and fog may form later in the night. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
Tuesday: Any early fog patches soon dispersing, then dry again with sunny spells. It will become warm in the afternoon. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 21 °C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: High pressure will keep dry, settled weather with plenty of sunshine. Some patches of mist and fog early mornings, more extensive cloud cover on Friday.
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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