Northern Lights could be visible from the Island

Thu, 17 Feb 2011

We could be able to see the Northern Lights from the Isle of Man over the next couple of days - if the night skies are clear enough.

The Aurora Borealis is a beautiful natural phenomenon caused by solar flares on the sun.

Gas particles are blasted away from the sun and interact with the earth's magnetic field.

The Northern Lights are more common around the Artic Circle but the recent activity on the sun means they will be seen further south.

The magnetic energy could also disrupt communications equipment.

Howard Parkin is from the Isle of Man Astronomical Society. [Play audio file below]