Northern Lights visible over Ireland tonight – here’s how best to view phenomenon

Irish stargazers are in for a treat as the Northern Lights are set to be visible over Ireland on Thursday night.

Irish weather man Cathal Nolan from Ireland’s Weather Channel posted about the possible event on Thursday morning. He said: “NOAA and many other well regarded sources are predicting a MAJOR AURORA display tonight right the way across the country as a vast Earth directed CME arrives, with good opportunities for both tonight and tomorrow night, though especially tonight.

“The great news is that weather wise the skies look mostly clear tonight away from northern coastal and Atlantic fringes where some showers may spoil things here a little. But across most of the country there’s likely to be clear starlit skies and no real impact from the moon which sets around 10pm,” he added.

“This is a wonderful chance to capture one of the wonders of the natural world right in your own back garden.”

Areas with less light pollution are best for viewing the phenomenon so people living in remote rural areas are likely to get the best view tonight. 

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Met Éireann are also predicting clear skies for most but two areas have been pinpointed for more cloud than others.

In their forecast for Thursday night, Met Éireann say: “Largely dry, clear and cold across the country tonight, however, it will be a little less cold and cloudier near western and northern coasts with isolated showers there. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 4 degrees, possibly dipping lower locally with a slight frost in sheltered spots. Winds will be mainly light westerly or variable, with a few mist or fog patches forming also.”

Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather also gave an update on how best to view the Northern Lights:

Charger those camera batteries! A chance of Northern Lights tonight and could be a very strong display. Once it’s fully dark start looking out for them. pic.twitter.com/kvIOlwCSMK

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) October 10, 2024