Stellar night for Northern lights photographers

Richard Price

BBC News, West Midlands

13 August 2024

Image source, BBC Weather Watcher/Nutty
Image caption,
This impressive scene featuring a standing stone in Middleton, Shropshire, was taken by BBC Weather Watcher Nutty.
Image source, BBC Weather Watcher/Jonnymo
Image caption,
The bright purple sky was reflected on the water's surface, as seen in this photo by BBC Weather Watcher Jonnymo in Cockshutt, Shropshire.
Image source, BBC Weather Watcher/Ben B
Image caption,
The sky was a vivid purple in Eardisland, Herefordshire, as seen in this photo by BBC Weather Watcher Ben B.
Image source, BBC Weather Watcher/Graham's Vista
Image caption,
BBC Weather Watcher Graham's Vista took this photo showing a variety of colours in the sky above Sutton Coldfield.
Image source, BBC Weather Watcher/Jack March
Image caption,
Beams of purple light could be seen in Hartshill, Warwickshire, in this photo by BBC Weather Watcher Jack March.
Image source, BBC Weather Watcher/Nathan H
Image caption,
BBC Weather Watcher Nathan H captured this scene above the skies of Hereford.
Image source, BBC Weather Watcher/Rosiej17
Image caption,
There were spectacular beams of purple seen in Hereford with this photo by BBC Weather Watcher Rosiej17.
Image source, BBC Weather Watcher/Snaphappydave
Image caption,
The lights were also spotted above Kinver, Staffordshire.

Photographers in the West Midlands have been treated to a spectacular display of the Northern lights.

For a second night in a row, the aurora borealis coincided with the Perseid meteor shower and were visible in a number of places across the region.

BBC Weather Watchers caught the action as a strong geomagnetic storm meant the aurora was seen more vividly than usual.

The Perseid meteor shower will still be visible on Tuesday night, according to BBC Weather.

The Northern Lights appear as bright, swirling curtains of lights in the night sky and range in colour from green to pink and scarlet.

They're caused by charged particles from the sun hitting gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.

For the best possible view, experts advise trying to get to an area where there are dark skies, away from street lights and where you can get a clear view of the whole night sky.

They recommend giving your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness and either sit or lie down and you should start to see some shooting stars - the meteors.

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Stellar night for Northern lights photographers

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