Northern Lights dance across Scotland's skies amid geomagnetic storm

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.

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

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.

Aurora Borealis spotted from a gate post just south of Forres, Moray on Monday evening Jamie Swanson

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.

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.”