Reader shares dramatic image of Aurora Borealis viewed from Lossiemouth

THIS stunning image of The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, was taken by reader David McHardy.

He captured the natural occurrence on Wednesday night, February 8 from the West Beach at Lossiemouth.

The Aurora Borealis is caused by interactions between the solar wind, which is the stream of charged particles emanating from the sun, and the Earth's magnetic field.

The Met Office describes how it appears as large areas of colour including pale green, pink, shades of red, yellow, blue and violet in the direction due north.

During a weak aurora, the colours are very faint and spread out whereas an intense aurora features greater numbers of and brighter colours which can be seen higher in the sky with a distinct arc.

"The Northern Lights are best seen in darkness, away from any light pollution," according to www.metoffice.gov.uk. "The lights generally extend from 50 miles to as high as 400 miles above the Earth's surface."

Solar winds are charged particles that stream away from the Sun at speeds of around one million miles per hour.

The best conditions to view the lights are when the sky is dark and clear of any clouds. Cloud cover ultimately blocks the view of the light.

Thanks to David for sharing this dramatic image with us.

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