What are the Northern Lights? These bright colorful lights, ranging in color from green, pink, purple, and white are visible in the magnetic polar regions of the northern and southern hemisphere and are the result of electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with gaseous particles Earth's atmosphere.
Northern Lights in Iceland
Northern Lights in the UK
Northern Lights in Ireland
The Northern Lights are one of the biggest draws to visiting Iceland. However, they are also one of the most unpredictable attractions the country offers.
the Northern Lights are active all year long, but we can only see them in darkness, when the skies are clear. Summer in Iceland provides long, bright dates, which is why it is rare to catch them during this time. Though you may be able to see the Northern Lights as early as August or as late as April, the best time should be between September through March, as these months have full dark nights, but remember-the majority of these months experience volatile weather including rain and snow, which will not provide clear skies for viewing.
When geomagnetic activity is high, because of coronal holes pointing towards earth, the auroral oval widens.
Norther, rural areas with low levels of light pollution are prime Northern Lights spotting territory in such periods. Although, they have been spotted in southeast England on rare occasions.
Notable areas include the Caithness Coast in the far north and the Orkney Isles, as well as Shetland and the Outer Hebrides. The Northern part of England and Wales have also been known to have an Aurora Borealis sighting at times.
Some of the best viewings of the Aurora Borealis have been in Donegal-specifically the Inishowen Peninsula, with Malin Head, Dunree, Mamore Gap, and Dunaff being the best spots to see them.