Latest news with #MirrieDancers
The Independent
16-04-2025
- The Independent
The best places to see northern lights in the UK
For the best chance of watching the spectacular northern lights, many head to areas around the Arctic, such as Norway, Finland and Sweden. But as the world experiences heightened solar activity, there are many incredible spots around the UK to get a glimpse of the dancing lights. According to experts, the sun has now entered its period of greatest activity, which means Brits could be seeing more colourful displays of the aurora borealis until the middle of next year. The current peak is expected to until mid-2025, according to the Royal Astronomical Society. Our home star typically follows an 11-year-cycle, with periods of intense activity followed by a quiet phase. During its active bursts, also known as solar maximum, the sun releases charged particles that travel through space at speeds of around one million miles per hour. Some of the particles are captured by the Earth's magnetic field and collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms and molecules in the atmosphere. These atoms and molecules then shed the energy they gained from the collision, emitting light at various wavelengths to create colourful displays in the night sky. Whether you're fascinated by the science or guided by its sheer beauty, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the northern lights in the UK. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland 'The incredibly dark skies of the Cairngorms – largely free from the polluting glow of street and security lights – means it's one of the few places in the UK where with just your eyes, you can witness some amazing treats,' says astronomer Paul Haworth. Home to rugged dramatic landscapes, Tomintoul and Glenlivet offer exceptional experiences for stargazers which is recognised by its International Dark Sky status. Where to stay What's more of an immersion into the natural surroundings than a stay in a log cabin? Nestled in the Cairngorm National Park, Wigwam Holidays' cabins offer an ideal springboard from which to explore the area, while their fire pits are an enticing way to watch the northern lights from your cabin deck in comfort. Outer Hebrides, Scotland A lack of light pollution makes it possible to see the Mirrie Dancers in action above islands like North Uist and Lewis if weather permits. But that's not all; the Orion Nebula, Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy can all be spotted with the naked eye. As winter draws in, days shrink giving more opportunities to study our universe. For expert tips, head to the Hebridean Dark Skies Festival on Lewis and Harris which hopes to return this year, featuring stargazing talks alongside theatre, live music and visual art performances. Where to stay Looking out over Stornoway Harbour, book a suite at Lews Castle for a chance to stay in the turrets of a renovated Gothic Revival-style castle. The storied building has housed nobility, those injured in the Second World War and students, but today it offers a luxury stay with glorious views over Stornoway. Ullapool, Ross-shire, Scotland This former fishing village in a remote corner of the Western Highlands is a superb setting for northern lights photography. Snow-dusted peaks surround the area, sloping into red and ochre moorlands and a glittering blue sea. Little light pollution allows stars to shine brightly, while bars and restaurants open year-round provide plenty of places to warm up. Where to stay Choose from three rooms at The Dipping Lugger, each with marvellous views over Loch Broom. Mentioned by Michelin, the hotel's restaurant flaunts the best of local produce, often including fresh seafood from Ullapool. County Antrim, Northern Ireland Witnessing the northern lights is memorable – but seeing it light up the ruins of a medieval castle is unforgettable. Photographers frequently flock to Dunluce Castle on the Antrim Coast, where displays have been impressive in the past couple of years. Visit Facebook group North Coast Aurora Watch for updates on when the lights will be at the peak. Where to stay Right on the seafront, The Marine Hotel in Ballycastle is a 30-minute drive away from Dunluce Castle. With frequent offers on rooms and family suites, the hotel offers a budget-friendly way to explore the seaside town and the rest of the dramatic coast.
The Guardian
13-12-2024
- The Guardian
Northern lights: the six best places in Europe to see the aurora borealis in 2025
The northern lights lit up the skies across the UK and Europe several times this year, and experts are predicting 2025 will be a great year for spotting the often elusive light show. The dazzling natural phenomenon, also known as the aurora borealis, has been particularly active in late 2024 and this will continue into next year. The auroras, which are most commonly seen over high polar latitudes but can spread south, are chiefly influenced by geomagnetic storms that originate from activity on the sun. Here are the best places in Europe to catch the light show in the 12 months ahead. The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is between September and April, when the skies are dark and clear, and the temperature is cold and dry. The darker it is, the better the chance of seeing the vibrant colours of the aurora. Northern Norway is dark from afternoon until late morning, when the northern lights frequently soar across the sky. This part of Norway, with its multiple islands, deep fjords and steep mountains, is one of the world's most beautiful and interesting places in which to see the northern lights. The best time to visit the northern parts of Finland to catch a glimpse of the auroras is between August and April. While winter is the most popular time for visits, autumn and spring are actually the most active northern lights seasons. In Northern Lapland, the auroras shine just about every other clear night between September and March, while in southern Finland they're only visible about 10-20 nights a year. Head north anywhere near and above the Arctic Circle, and if the night sky looks clear and starry, you have a good chance of seeing the northern lights. Stay away from bright lights and buildings: hilltops and lakeshores make good vantage points. Northern Scotland lies at the same latitude as Stavanger in Norway and Nunivak Island in Alaska, which means that you're in with a good chance of spotting the 'Mirrie Dancers'. In the Hebrides, the lights can be seen on Lewis, Harris and at the most northerly tip of Skye. Farther north, you can also catch the lights in Shetland, Orkney and Caithness. Places such as Applecross, Lochinver and north of Ullapool are great spots on the west and far north-west coast of Scotland to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. Rannoch Moor, Perthshire and the Cairngorms are all places where the lights have been spotted in central Scotland. The northern lights actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the northern lights from anywhere in the country, while in south Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August The northern lights appear during the beginning of September in and around Kiruna in the far north of Sweden. The sky comes alive as pink, green and purple streaks dance high above. And by the time winter has fully set in around January, the northern lights can be seen throughout Swedish Lapland – the large expanse of land in northern Sweden that covers nearly a quarter of the country. The last glimpses of these undulating rainbows can be caught as late as the end of March or even early April.
