A PLANET parade and the Northern Lights are set to light up skies across Ireland tonight.
And the spectacular display may not be visible again for decades.
In October, a rare showing of the aurora lit up the Irish skies as far south as Cork and Kerry.
And experts are now predicting that another beautiful light display could happen tonight, with conditions favourable for the Northern Lights and a planetary alignment.
Facebook page Ireland’s Weather Channel announced that tonight presents a rare celestial event, as seven planets align in the night sky.
This planetary alignment could also coincide with an aurora display, which will enhance the beauty of the evening’s sky show and offer a spectacle for stargazers.
Weather conditions are expected to cooperate, with clear skies across the country, offering stargazers optimal viewing conditions for this occurrence.
They said: “All eyes to the skies again tonight, for a planetary alignment and a possible aurora.
“It’s a veritable feast for the eyes tonight, with the planetary alignment of seven planets peaking in vibrancy, and coinciding with this alignment could well be another aurora display.”
However, despite the clear skies, temperatures will plummet with lows dipping to -3C, so it’s advisable to dress warmly if you plan to take in the sights.
The Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, occur when charged particles from the sun hit Earth’s atmosphere.
These particles are directed toward the poles by Earth’s magnetic field, where they collide with atmospheric gases like oxygen and nitrogen.
The energy from these collisions creates beautiful light displays in the sky, often seen as shimmering waves of green, purple and sometimes red.
While auroras are most commonly seen in polar regions, strong geomagnetic storms can push them further south, making them visible in Ireland.
Tonight’s forecasted conditions could be one of those moments where the planetary alignment and aurora become visible over the island, even in places like Dublin.
Areas along the west and north coasts, such as Donegal or Mayo, typically offer the best chances of spotting the light show due to their lower levels of light pollution and clearer skies.
The best way to spot the lights
Stargazers should seek out rural locations, coastal spots, or elevated viewpoints across the country to get a darker sky.
Clear skies are also essential for viewing, and fortunately, Met Éireann is predicting mostly clear weather tonight.
Staying informed is key, so it’s a good idea to follow aurora forecasts from the Irish Astronomical Association or Met Éireann.
It’s also important to be patient, as sightings aren’t guaranteed even when conditions are favourable, and consider planning multiple viewing attempts.
If you want to capture the aurora on camera, bring a device with manual settings so you can adjust for the low-light conditions.
