Public Invited To Experience Northern Lights Display In The Arctic

Edited byMark Dunphy

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A gust of solar wind hit Earth's magnetic field last night, sparking bright Valentine's auroras around the Arctic Circle.

Stargazers and amateur astronomers throughout Ireland will have a unique opportunity to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) up close next January.

Astronomy Ireland’s has announced details of their 7-night Northern Lights Voyage to the Arctic, departing on January 20th, 2012.

 Organised in conjunction with Norway specialist, Project Travel, the trip along Norway’s coast on board Hurtigruten’s MS Midnatsol will take the travelling party above the Arctic Circle giving the best chance of seeing the spectacular Aurora Borealis.

The trip will be made all the more authentic by the presence of the renowned astronomer, Dr John Mason.  He is a former President of the British Astronomical Association and has appeared alongside Sir Patrick Moore on the BBC’s The Sky at Night.  Mason will give a series of lectures and a guided tour of the Arctic night sky from the deck of the ship.

According to David Moore of Astronomy Ireland, the mysterious Aurora Borealis display correlates with an 11-year cycle in sunspot activity. “After a lull some years ago, the Solar Cycle has burst back into activity and sunspots will increase in number this coming winter: it will be an excellent chance to see the aurorae!  Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights and being at sea, away from light pollution, means if they do show our group stand the greatest chance of seeing a spectacular display.”

Full details are available on www.astronomy.ie or from Project Travel, (01) 210 8391

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