Last week, the skies over Cork presented a unique natural display: the Northern Lights. This phenomenon, usually seen in areas near the Arctic Circle, was visible in several parts of the county, including Kinsale, Rathcormac, Carrigaline, and Lehenaghmore. Those fortunate enough to look up witnessed a breathtaking display of colourful lights that illuminated the night and left many amazed.
The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating light at various wavelengths. While typically observed in polar regions, geomagnetic storms, originating from solar activity, can cause the lights to extend south, making sightings in places like Ireland possible.
The Sun operates on an 11-year cycle known as the solar cycle. During the solar maximum, the peak of sunspot activity, the likelihood of coronal mass ejections—large bursts of energy—rises, increasing the chances of aurora displays. This, combined with last week’s atmospheric conditions, provided Cork residents with an exceptional experience.
While auroras have been spotted in Ireland before, the scale of this event was particularly notable, with reports of sightings from various locations across the city and county.
At Ireland Experience we offer our students a total immersion in the culture, history and customs of Ireland, and especially of Cork, a wonderful city. Contact us and join this great family.
(photograph by Bill Connolly)
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