A geomagnetic storm is expected to make the Aurora Borealis visible throughout Ireland tonight, though cloud cover may interfere with viewing opportunities in some areas.
Professor Peter Gallagher of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) Dunsink Observatory confirmed to The Journal that a “big solar storm” occurred two days ago, sending a burst of solar radiation toward Earth.
“[The models] show a geomagnetic storm tonight, down over Ireland. So that’s pretty much certain,” Gallagher stated. He explained that this particular storm is caused by two coronal mass ejections—clouds of plasma that can erupt from the Sun during solar flares—which create the northern lights when they interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
Despite a Status Yellow rain warning currently in effect for five counties, Met Éireann forecasts “dry conditions and long clear spells for most [of the country]” this evening, offering hope for skygazers.
The aurora was already visible in parts of southwestern, western, and northern Ireland last night as the geomagnetic storm began.
For the best viewing experience, Professor Gallagher recommends heading outdoors after 11pm, avoiding city light pollution, and traveling as far north as possible. “If you’re in Dublin City Center, Cork, or Galway city center, you’re just not gonna see anything. You’ve got to get away from city lights,” he advised.
Gallagher suggested using a mobile phone camera as a good test for spotting the lights, as cameras can capture the aurora with longer exposure than the human eye can detect. For those interested in tracking aurora forecasts, The Journal has previously published a detailed guide on how to monitor northern lights activity in Ireland.