Northern Lights paint gorgeous picture in Donegal skies

Stargazers were treated to a dazzling display of the Northern Lights over the weekend.
copyright Bren Whelancopyright Bren Whelan
copyright Bren Whelan

The aurora borealis was visible across the north west as skies cleared yesterday evening, painting the night sky with shades of green, purple and blue.

The ethereal spectacle is caused by charged solar particles interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field.

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Photographer Bren Whelan who captured these shots said it was the “mother of all aurora shows.”

“Last night we had one of the biggest, most impressive aurora shows right across Ireland.”

“An epic night was had from Malin head to Cork.”

Met Office space weather adviser Amanda Townsend said.“Once in a while the solar winds are enhanced to levels stronger than normal, with particles at higher speeds, and on this occasion it has connected really well with the Earth’s magnetic field,” she added.

In addition to the cosmic weather being just right, conditions closer to the ground favoured those who ventured out into the cold March night.