NORTHERN Ireland could be set for a spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis tonight.
Earlier this week, local astronomer and photographer Martin McKenna captured the magical Northern Lights at the picturesque Ballintoy Harbour along the north Antrim coastline.
Normally the Aurora Borealis is only seen above Iceland and Norway but this week the stunning phenomenon was seen further south due to unusual solar activity.
Speaking to the News Letter yesterday, Mr McKenna, who is from Maghera, revealed that he has witnessed the Northern Lights 90 times over Ulster in the last few years.
“It doesn’t matter how many times you see them, they always leave you amazed.
“Ballintoy is a great location and on Sunday night the green lights of the Aurora Borealis were reflecting on the ocean. It was a brilliant opportunity for taking photographs.”
He said anyone could see the lights over the coming nights.
“The way it’s looking at the minute we will have clear skies on Wednesday night – so we could be in for a really spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis.
“You don’t have to be an astronomer or a star gazer to see them.
“You don’t even have to travel that far, basically all you need is a relatively clear night and no street lights or other light pollution and you should have a great view.”
Interest in the night sky has taken off across the UK with the recent BBC programme, Star Gazing live, with Professor Brian Cox, attracting millions of viewers
Martin, who runs his own website, www.NightSkyHunter.com, says this growing public interest in the solar system has definitely spread to Northern Ireland.
“The response I have been getting to my images of the night sky has been huge.
“People here in Northern Ireland are really interested in the night sky and the weather, especially when it’s stormy or extreme.
“My own interest in the night sky began with the Hale-Bop comet in 1997 and it’s really good to see that more people are taking an interest.”
Nikki Berry, a weather forecaster for MeteoGroup UK, confirmed that tonight should provide another opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
“We have a weather front moving across Northern Ireland but that should clear to leave relatively clear skies,” she said.
“Unfortunately, we don’t keep track of the Northern Lights, but certainly the skies across Northern Ireland should be clear.”