Ipswich dad delighted to see Northern Lights over home

The aurora borealis could be seen in the skies over Suffolk on Thursday night and in the early hours of Friday morning. 

While a pink hue was visible to some with a naked eye, most people were able to capture the spectacle using cameras and phones.

John Tallent, who lives in Chesterfield Drive in Ipswich, was delighted to see the Northern Lights after previous unsuccessful attempts. 

"My daughter Grace and I went to Norway last year with the specific intention of seeing the aurora, but failed miserably, and ironically last night saw them outside our house," he said on Friday. 

"We were so delighted to see them - I have been hunting them for years.

READ MORE: Incredible picture of Northern Lights captured over Suffolk church

John Tallent and his 11-year-old daughter Grace (Image: Patricia Tallent)

"My wife Patricia and I woke Grace up at around 12.30am because we knew she wanted to see them. She was very excited."

"It's almost an out-of-world experience, we could see the lights swirling around for a time."

Aurora displays happen when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere around the magnetic poles.

They are influenced by geomagnetic storms which originate from activity on the sun.

As they collide, light is emitted at various wavelengths, creating colourful displays in the sky.

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A spokesman for the Met Office said there had been “more space weather events in recent months”, including the Northern Lights, because the sun was nearing the peak of its solar cycle.

It also means there is a chance to see the aurora in the Suffolk skies again as the peak is expected to last until mid-2025.

Readers have been sending us pictures of the Northern Lights, and we're delighted to be able to share a selection with you.

Leah Firman photographed the aurora over the Orwell Bridge (Image: Leah Firman) The Northern Lights at Pakenham Windmill (Image: Jenny Bridges) People across Suffolk captured the stunning display (Image: Oliver Kingdon) The Aurora Borealis at Helmingham Hall in mid Suffolk (Image: Patricia Tallent) Jennifer Adams snapped a photograph in Martlesham (Image: Jennifer Adams) The lights appeared to have a red hue over Dunwich beach (Image: James Mabel & Co) The Northern Lights from Fynn Valley Golf Club near Witnesham (Image: Tanya Dickie) Mark Catchpole saw the display in Aldeburgh High Street (Image: Mark Catchpole)