A dazzling display of the Northern Lights has graced the skies across the UK, from Devon and Cornwall to Kent and Sussex, as a result of a significant solar storm. This natural phenomenon, known as the Aurora Borealis, is caused by solar eruptions sending charged particles toward Earth, where they interact with the atmosphere to create vibrant displays of color. The Met Office confirmed that a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun on Sunday was responsible for the widespread visibility of the auroras.

In the Channel Islands, the Northern Lights were also visible, with Matthew Winter from the Jersey Meteorological Section noting that the sun is currently in its "solar maximum" phase. This period is marked by heightened solar activity, including more frequent sunspots and CMEs, leading to increased chances of auroral displays.

Meanwhile, in Australia, a severe solar storm is being monitored by the National Emergency Management Agency, with the potential to make the aurora australis visible. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued alerts for possible sightings as far north as Victoria and New South Wales. However, the storm could also disrupt power grids and satellite operations, according to the US Geological Survey.

Experts recommend seeking out dark, clear skies away from urban light pollution for the best chance of witnessing these celestial events. Silvia Dalla, a professor of solar physics, advises that the optimal viewing time is typically late at night, from 23:00 onwards.