This year, the night skies have been illuminated with breathtaking displays of the Northern Lights, leaving onlookers in awe. For many, witnessing the aurora is a bucket list dream often requiring a costly trip to the Arctic Circle, with no guarantee of seeing the elusive spectacle. But 2024 proved to be an exceptional year, bringing the lights unusually far south and dazzling people in unexpected places.
Throughout the year, stunning sightings were reported across southern England on multiple occasions. The auroras painted the skies with a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of reds, greens, purples, and blues. In some instances, even the rare STEVE phenomenon—a distinct streak of pinkish-purple light—made a dramatic appearance. It was hailed as the best year for aurora displays in two decades.
Why Was 2024 So Special?
The dazzling displays of 2024 are attributed to a peak in the Sun’s 11-year cycle of activity. During this solar maximum, the Sun experiences an increase in eruptions, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These powerful bursts of energy and particles are sent hurtling into space, sparking the stunning auroras visible from Earth.
The heightened solar activity is driven by the Sun’s magnetic poles flipping, an event akin to the Earth’s North and South Poles swapping places. Originally, scientists predicted the solar maximum would occur in late 2025. However, researchers from NASA, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Solar Cycle Prediction Panel announced that the Sun reached its peak activity in October 2024, explaining the incredible auroras seen this year.
Did Advancements in Technology Play a Role?
The last solar maximum occurred around 2014, and since then, advancements in technology have significantly enhanced the way we experience and document auroras. Today, better forecasting tools, apps, and social media provide real-time updates on solar activity, helping more people anticipate and witness the phenomenon.
Smartphone technology has also come a long way. A decade ago, phone cameras had lower resolutions and fewer features, making it harder to capture the aurora’s beauty. Now, high-quality smartphone cameras can produce stunning images, as demonstrated by photos taken by BBC Weather Watchers this year.
Space weather forecasting has also improved dramatically. The Stereo satellites, which provide a 360-degree view of the Sun and improve predictions of space weather, were not fully operational until 2011. By 2014, tools like the UK Met Office’s dedicated Space Weather Operations Centre were just beginning to emerge. These advancements have made it easier than ever to predict and appreciate the aurora displays.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the solar maximum now in full swing, there’s hope that 2025 could bring equally mesmerizing displays. The peak of solar activity increases the chances of more eruptions and, consequently, more spectacular auroras.
This year, BBC Weather Watchers captured some truly striking images of the Northern Lights, showcasing their beauty from various locations across the UK. These photos serve as a reminder of the awe-inspiring natural phenomena that connect us all.
For those who missed out on this year’s displays, there’s still hope for the future. While I wasn’t lucky enough to catch the aurora this year, I did have the chance to see it in 2023—and it remains one of the most magical experiences of my life.
As we look to the skies in 2025, we can’t help but wonder: Will next year’s displays outshine even the breathtaking auroras of 2024? Time will tell, but for now, the memories of this year’s Northern Lights will remain a vivid and cherished highlight for many.
