Donegal skies could be in for a stunning appearance of the Aurora Borealis this weekend due to a spike in solar activity.
The natural phenomenon, also called the Northern Lights, may shine over parts of Ireland and the UK on Saturday night.
Space forecasters have predicted that a geomagnetic space storm will hit Earth this weekend to bring strong solar activity. The Aurora occurs when a solar flare strikes Earth’s magnetic field. Green and purple lights are typically seen of northern parts of Ireland and the UK when activity is particularly strong.
The UK Met Office has said that the aurora may be visible over Scotland, while local astronomy enthusiasts see this as a good sign it will be visible in Donegal too.
Catching a glimpse of the lights all depends on cloud cover, which has frustrated local photographers in the past.
Met Eireann is forecasting a cold and mainly dry Saturday night, with a widespread sharp to severe frost away from northern coastal areas and a chance of misty or fog.
The best areas of Donegal for aurora sightings are near the northern horizon, away from towns and lights and at higher levels.
If you do catch the show this weekend, send your photos to info@donegaldaily.com to be featured.
Featured photo: Aurora Borealis over Ballintra Donegal, 8th September 2017. Noel Keating Photography
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