A breathtaking natural light show captivated residents across the United Kingdom last night, as the Northern Lights extended much further south than usual. The aurora borealis painted night skies with vibrant bursts of green, pink, and yellow, creating a spectacle visible from the tip of Scotland to the shores of Cornwall.
A Nationwide Celestial Display
Under clear conditions on the night of 19 January 2026, the phenomenon was witnessed widely. Reports and stunning photographs flooded in from Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. In England, the lights were seen across southwest, southern, eastern, and northern regions. Remarkably, the Met Office noted that sightings had even been reported as far south as northern Italy, underscoring the unusual strength of this solar event.
The iconic stone circle at Stonehenge was bathed in a brilliant red glow, while Clun Castle in Shropshire stood in stark silhouette under striking auroral colours. From Findhorn Beach in Moray to Lee Park in Liverpool, and down to St Agnes in Cornwall, stargazers were treated to an unforgettable display. The lights were also widely visible across continental Europe, including in the Netherlands.
The Science Behind the Spectacle
The Aurora Borealis occurs when the Sun enters an active phase, emitting large expulsions of plasma known as coronal mass ejections. These events send a stream of solar particles hurtling towards Earth. When these particles collide with gases in our planet's atmosphere, they transfer energy, which is released as the shimmering, colourful lights we see.
Another Chance to Witness the Aurora
There is promising news for those who missed last night's show. A continued blast of solar energy means another opportunity to see the Northern Lights could occur tonight, 20 January 2026. The Met Office suggests that under clear, dark skies, the aurora may once again be visible across many parts of the UK, offering a second chance to experience this rare southern display.
For the best viewing experience, find a location away from light pollution, look towards the northern horizon, and, of course, keep your fingers crossed for clear weather. This extraordinary event serves as a powerful reminder of the dynamic and beautiful interactions between our planet and the Sun.
