What's Happening?
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, were visible over parts of West Sussex and Kent on the night of January 19, 2026. This natural light display, typically seen near the Arctic Circle, occurs when solar particles collide with Earth's atmosphere.
The phenomenon was captured in photographs from locations such as Selsey in West Sussex and along the Kent coast, including Birchington-on-Sea, Whitstable, and Lynsted. The event was a result of heightened solar activity, which occasionally allows the lights to be seen further south than usual.
Why It's Important?
The appearance of the Northern Lights in southern England is a rare and awe-inspiring event that draws public interest and highlights the beauty of natural phenomena. Such occurrences can boost local tourism as people travel to witness the spectacle. Additionally, the event underscores the interconnectedness of solar activity and Earth's atmospheric conditions, offering educational opportunities about space weather and its effects on our planet.
