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Aurora Borealis lights up the sky over Scotland

News imageMunkeynutz/BBC Weather Watchers Aurora seen from BroraMunkeynutz/BBC Weather Watchers
The aurora was seen as a green glow from Brora in Sutherland

The Aurora Borealis could be seen in the skies across Scotland overnight.

Also known as the Northern Lights, the displays are linked to activity on the surface of the Sun.

News imageHamza Yassin Northern Lights at Ardnamurchan PointHamza Yassin
Hamza Yassin captured this image from Ardnamurchan Point

The aurora is caused by the interaction of solar wind - a stream of charged particles escaping the Sun - and Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.

When weather conditions are favourable, Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland offer some of the best places to observe the aurora or Northern Lights as the phenomenon is often known.

News imagematt2901/BBC Weather Watchers Uigmatt2901/BBC Weather Watchers
The Northern Lights were also visible from Uig
News imageJMacL/BBC Weather Watchers Aurora seen from GairlochJMacL/BBC Weather Watchers
Gairloch was also a good place for observing the aurora

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