THE Met Office has said there is a "growing chance" the Northern Lights will be visible in the skies above Northern Ireland in the days ahead.
The phenomenon, known as aurora borealis, is caused by solar winds colliding with the Earth's upper atmosphere, resulting in often spectacular colorful displays in the night sky.
The Met Office has said Thursday night will see the best chance of the lights being visible in the north.
More commonly seen in northern hemisphere locations including Scandinavian countries, the lights are occasionally visible during clear skies further south, and were spotted in areas including Portrush in February.
The Met Office said in a tweet on Wednesday: "There is a growing chance of seeing the northern lights over the coming few nights, especially Thursday night.
"Aurora may be visible where skies remain clear across Scotland, as well as potentially as far south as Northern Ireland, north Wales, northern and central England."
The Met Office advises those keen to spot the lights that they are "best seen in darkness, away from any light pollution".
