Eyes to the skies: Northern Lights could be visible from Longford tonight
The Aurora Borealis could be dancing above our heads this weekend following the biggest solar flare in over a decade
Astronomy Ireland, this week, revealed that there has been a huge explosion from the sun, which has sent chunks of matter towards earth. This means that all of this weekend, there is a strong chance of spectacular displays of light over Ireland.
And, according to Astronomy Ireland's Facebook page, tonight is predicted to be one of the biggest displays in over a decade.
"Big aurora expected Friday night arrived early and was blazing over all of Ireland from midnight Thursday night," they stated.
"It should continue until we get to see it again from sunset Friday on. Be ready and let us know what you see [...] This could be the big one that we have been waiting for for over a decade! Watch on Saturday and Sunday nights also, as the sun is popping with flares every day recently!"
Also read: How to Photograph the Northern Lights
The last big display of the Northern Lights over Ireland was Halloween 2003, but Astronomy Ireland has said that this would outshine that spectacle by a long shot.
And, they add, you shouldn't have to travel north to see the lights tonight.
"If the aurora is as big as predictions, you don't have to go to Donegal. You should be able to see it from a dark location, preferably northwest of any urban lights. Let your eyes adjust and don't forget camera captures more light than your eyes on a longer exposure so will look even better."
The best time tonight will be between 9pm and midnight UTC time, which translates to 10pm onwards for us, so find yourself a dark spot and look up.
And now, the weather...
According to Met Éireann, it will be "dry for a time early tonight with clear spells developing. Further showers will develop overnight. Lows of 8 to 11 degrees Celsius in fresh and gusty northwesterly winds, reducing moderate inland."
Accuweather predicts cloudy weather from 9pm onwards, but here's hoping for a few clear moments.
Planning on taking photographs? Send them in to [email protected]. We'll put the best ones up online.