Northern Lights visible in Ireland

People choose their cruise destinations for various reasons. Some want to explore the Mediterranean Cities of Europe without having to be based in one place. Some use cruises as the opportunity to visit places they can’t fly to from their home airports. But the resounding reason people choose cruises is to visit somewhere or see something on their ‘bucket list’. The Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis, is one of these such things. It is so magical and beautiful  that many actually be moved to tears whilst watching it. Joanne Lumley based a whole TV programme about her hunt to see them. They truly are like something out of this world.

This past Thursday and Friday saw the Northern Lights visible throughout Ireland and many parts of Northern England and Scotland. For some cities it was the first time in 25 years that they have been able to experience this fantastic sight.

In Northern Ireland we were treated to the most beautiful sights which sent many a amateur photographer into a frenzy. Below are some of the sights captures around our wee nation.

Derry City

Dunluce Castle in Bushmills

World Famous Giants Causeway in Co Antrim

Beaghmore Stone Circle in Cookstown

These occur when explosions on the surface of the Sun hurl huge amounts of charged particles into space, according to the British Geological Survey (BGS). Those thrown towards Earth are captured by its magnetic field and guided towards the polar regions. Charged particles collide with gas molecules in the atmosphere, and the subsequent energy is given off as light. These geomagnetic storms follow an 11-year “solar cycle”, and the last “solar maximum” was last year, according to the BGS. The beautiful skies in the UK were an ‘after effect’ of these storms.

 Everyone of the photos capture the mystical beauty of this phenomenon and it is clear to see why people travel thousands of miles to Norway, Sweden and Iceland to try and get a glimpse and cruising is the most enjoyable way to do this. For those not lucky enough to see them in the UK do not despair!! Lots of cruise lines are now having ‘Northern Lights’ cruises. Fred Olsen are sailing from Liverpool in November 2014 and Hurtigruten are doing many itineraries sailing from ports in Norway and travelling above the Arctic Circle to get the best views. So all is not lost in your quest to tick this one off your bucket list!!