The Northern Lights are caused with charged particles, ejected by the sun, interact with gases in our atmosphere. Oxygen atoms glow green - the colour most often seen in the Northern Lights. Nitrogen atoms emit purple,

That same activity can lead to aurorae, however, such as the northern and southern lights. This time around that meant that the northern lights could be seen at relatively low latitudes, including as far south as the midwest.

M any people were looking up to the dark Northumberland skies after getting the alerts, or simply caught a glimpse of the impressive aurora display.

Parts of East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire saw a spectacular display of the Northern Lights on the first day of the new year. Splashes of red, green and purple in the skies were captured on camera. The display was particularly vivid along the coast.