Beyond the Bonfires & Fireworks
Night skies of South East England treated to a rare natural light display
“Remember, Remember, the 5th of November” Southern England is treated to a rare display from the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the first recorded photographs of two exceptionally rare events were captured.
Aurora Borealis, nature’s own fireworks dazzled the UK on Bonfire Night as the Northern Lights, with its tantalising streams of green, pink and purple hue dancing across the night sky over Kent.
“I did not expect such an amazing display,” says Photographer Rebecca Douglas from Ramsgate, Kent. “I went out at 5pm and it was immediately visible.”
Rebecca is an avid Aurora Chaser and has successfully witnessed the majestic light display many times across the world but there is no doubt that to finally enjoy them on her home turf has been an exciting experience.
To top off a wonderful night of staring at the skies of Kent, Rebecca told me about another phenomenon she had captured.
“It is so rare to witness a Sub Auroral Ion Drift (SAID) and Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement (STEVE) from this far south on the globe.
I may have captured the most southerly display of these ever recorded! I have only ever seen it in Iceland before. I have shared my evidence with @nasa @europeanspaceagency”.
Whilst an infrequent treat to see the Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights in the Northern parts of the UK, to capture them in Southern Britain is rarer still. They occur during periods of high solar activity. When the sun releases a surge of charged particles, they interact with the Earth’s Magnetic field and atmosphere, creating a mesmerising light display.
Reports told of the excitement with Facebook Groups Aurora UK and AUK lighting up with Kent residents joining in saying “[This is my] First time and it was amazing.”
“Ticked number one off my bucket list this evening. OMG! What a display! Never did I think I’d see them this strong from my neck of the woods.” says Linda from Tankerton, Kent.
Not everyone managed to capture a photograph with some hopeful reports being rebuffed as light pollution and clouds by the experts, however, Kent residents remain hopeful to see them in the future.
Rebecca's’ photography and handy tips on how to capture Aurora Borealis yourself can be found at www.rebeccadouglas.co.uk
Originally published November 2023