Last night, stargazers in the UK were in for a treat as they witnessed the Perseids meteor shower along with a stunning display of the northern lights. The Perseids meteor shower, known as the “best meteor shower of the year” peaked on Monday night, offering viewers the chance to see up to 100 meteors an hour as Earth passed through the debris trail.
Typically, the best conditions for stargazing involve clear, dark skies, but the appearance of the aurora borealis added an extra layer of magic to the night. Photographer Dafydd Wyn Morgan captured a breathtaking image in the Cambrian Mountains in Wales, which showcased not only the meteor shower and the northern lights but also the Milky Way.
This rare occurrence was made even more special by the fact that the sun is currently in an active phase of its 11-year cycle, leading to more frequent sightings of the northern lights in the UK. Back in May, skygazers were treated to spectacular displays of pink and green auroras.
The northern lights are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s atmosphere, creating a stunning light show. While the lights are typically more visible closer to the North Pole, they occasionally make their way further south, delighting viewers in places like Cornwall and Harrogate.
Last night’s display was not limited to the UK, as similar sightings were reported in countries like Germany and Russia. People from various parts of the world took to social media to share their awe and wonder at the celestial spectacle they witnessed.
As for tonight, the Met Office suggests that the plasma ejection from the sun causing the northern lights to appear so far south will gradually diminish. However, there is still a chance of visible auroras in Scotland and parts of northern England overnight. By tomorrow, the activity is expected to return to normal levels, with any visible auroras likely to be limited to far northern Scotland.
Overall, last night’s combination of the Perseids meteor shower and the northern lights provided a truly magical experience for stargazers across the UK and beyond. The rare occurrence of these two celestial events coinciding made for a night to remember and appreciate the beauty of the universe.
