Northern Lights dance across Scotland's skies amid geomagnetic storm

Hues of green and pink were spotted on Monday evening as charged particles from the Sun arrived at Earth.

Northern Lights dance across Scotland’s skies amid geomagnetic stormGraeme Shinnie

The Aurora Borealis painted the skies a wash of colour on Monday evening as a geomagnetic storm alert was issued by the Met Office.

Stargazers were alerted to the possibility of Northern Lights activity on Monday, after a fast-moving Coronal Mass Ejection – a powerful burst of charged particles – departed the Sun on Saturday, heading for Earth.

When these particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they create the mesmerising colours of the Aurora Borealis.

Did you see the Northern Lights?

Share your photos with STV News

The content you submit using this form is to inform our journalists and (if you provide contact details) to allow them to reach out for further information. It is not for publication. You are not required to include your name or contact details and we will not reach out in all cases where it is provided. You can find more details on how we use your personal data here.

Northern Lights spotted over West Beach at Lossiemouth, MoraySam Murray
Northern Lights spotted over West Beach at Lossiemouth, Moray

The Met Office said geomagnetic conditions were likely to intensify as the particles reach Earth, with the geomagnetic storm likely to increase from moderate to strong – potentially even reaching severe levels.

On Monday evening, sightings of the Northern Lights were reported as far north as Shetland and parts of North East Scotland, as well as further down south in England and the Midlands.

The Met Office said there is a possibility the Aurora could be visible again on Tuesday and even Wednesday, owing to the extent of the magnetic cloud associated with the ejection.

Northern Lights spotted over West Beach at Lossiemouth, MoraySam Murray
Northern Lights spotted over West Beach at Lossiemouth, Moray

A waxing gibbous moon – between a half and a full moon – could disrupt clear views of the Aurora, particularly in areas with additional light pollution.

Krista Hammond, Met Office space weather manager, said: “Forecasts can change rapidly, so we encourage the public to stay updated with the latest information.”

Northern Lights spotted over West Beach at Lossiemouth, MoraySam Murray
Northern Lights spotted over West Beach at Lossiemouth, Moray

Did you see the Northern Lights?

Share your photos with STV News

The content you submit using this form is to inform our journalists and (if you provide contact details) to allow them to reach out for further information. It is not for publication. You are not required to include your name or contact details and we will not reach out in all cases where it is provided. You can find more details on how we use your personal data here.

STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code
Posted in