Thanks to solar activity, the rare spectacle of the aurora borealis can now be seen as far south as the Home Counties.

For many, seeing the northern lights — or aurora borealis — is a dream experience, typically reserved for far-flung destinations like Norway or Iceland. But recently, sky-watchers in the UK have had the rare opportunity to witness this incredible spectacle right from their own backyards, with sightings reported as far south as the Home Counties.

The aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon caused by solar activity, with the sun emitting streams of charged particles that interact with Earth’s upper atmosphere, causing it to glow in vibrant colors. These stunning displays are typically associated with polar regions, where Earth’s magnetic field directs the particles toward the poles, but every so often, solar activity intensifies, making the lights visible much further south.

Historically, the northern lights have been observed beyond the Arctic Circle, with even the ancient Greeks and Romans documenting the phenomenon. The sun’s activity follows an 11-year cycle, and we are currently emerging from a phase of solar minimum, when sunspots are less common. As solar activity picks up, the likelihood of stronger auroral displays increases, creating a perfect opportunity for those in the UK to experience the lights.

Thanks to social media, sky-watchers across Britain have come together, sharing sightings and tips for the best viewing spots. So, if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, step out of the city and head towards darker skies — you might just witness one of nature’s most breathtaking displays.