Incredible Northern Lights display seen across Devon
An extreme geomagnetic storm meant there was visibility across the UK
People across Devon were left in awe last night by a rare display of the Northern Lights. Photos from across the region show the skies lit up in incredible shades of pink, purple, blue and green.
The Northern Lights - or Aurora Borealis - is an unusual sight for most of southern England but the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said visibility was increased on Friday because of an "extreme" geomagnetic storm heading towards Earth.
Displays like the one last night are caused by particles colliding with gases in the Earth's atmosphere around the magnetic poles. The gas atoms then glow the amazing colours we can see in the sky.
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Local expert Sam Whitfield from UK Weather Chase predicted that the best spots to see the lights last night would be Dartmoor, particularly Haytor and Coombstone Tor car park. But the display was captured by people right across Devon.
In 30 incredible photos sent to DevonLive, the northern lights could be seen from Dartmoor to Torbay and even above homes in Exeter.
Northern Lights over Paignton harbour
(Image: Rickie Taylor-Steer)1 of 30
(Image: Rickie Taylor-Steer)2 of 30 
(Image: Rickie Taylor-Steer)3 of 30 ![]()
Northern Lights over Paignton harbour
(Image: Rickie Taylor-Steer)4 of 30![]()
Northern Lights seen from Burnthouse Lane, Exeter
(Image: Liam Wibberley)5 of 30
