The people of Donegal could be witnessing the amazing Aurora Borealis over the night skies this weekend, according to forecasters.
A surge of solar activity is expected to reach earth by either Friday or Saturday and create an exciting few days for astronomy fans and photographers.
Areas of Ireland and UK could be in for a Northern Lights show if weather conditions are favourable. Donegal, due to its northerly location and dark skies could have the best of the view.
David Moore of Astronomy Ireland said a major display of lights is expected over Ireland which could be the strongest in over a decade.
The sun released a strong coronal mass ejection (CME) last night which is the 14th strongest recorded since 1976.
Moore told Joe.ie, “When we have been able to see the Northern Lights before, it has only been a small glow but this has the potential to be 100 times greater than that.”
He said there is a chance of catching the display on Thursday and Sunday night too, but the phenomenon is rather unpredictable.
People in Donegal who wish to see the famous Aurora are advised to seek clear cloud-free skies at nighttime to the north which are far from light pollution.
The Inishowen Peninsula is well-known as a top location for displays in the past. Remember, the colours are not often visible to the naked eye, but with the right camera setting photographers can capture the greens and reds illuminating the night sky.
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