Astronomy enthusiasts are hoping clouds over Ireland clear tonight and offer them a view of a rare spectacle in the night sky.
Known as the aurora borealis, the northern lights are a vast display of shimmering bands and rays of light. Two explosions on the sun on Monday caused a huge cloud of radiation to accelerate towards earth at two million miles per hour and as a result, the display may be visible in the sky tonight, according to Astronomy Ireland.
While the organisation has arranged an event for those wishing to view the spectacle, Met Éireann warned last night that the forecast was not ideal, with cloudy conditions expected in most parts.
"The pictures from space show a huge glowing ring of radiation thousands of miles across above the earth's northern hemisphere," said David Moore, chairman of Astronomy Ireland. Although the magnetic field and the atmosphere of the earth will protect us from any harm, "it's really quite a scary sight".
"This is usually only visible over the polar regions. It has to be a very intense cloud of radiation to spread as far as Ireland. Only 1 per cent of all auroras will be visible in Ireland."
His society has organised a special viewing event tonight called Star-B-Q, in Roundwood, Co Wicklow, where skies are ideal for seeing the aurora at its best.
While there is around one incident of aurora borealis in Ireland each year that might be visible, it has been nearly two years since the last major display. This resulted in "flames of light being visible for a good few hours", Mr Moore said.
However, he recommended getting out in to the countryside if possible. "A smaller display can look like light pollution, when viewed in a city. However, if we have a big display it will be obvious from anywhere."
Aurora may come and go during the night, Mr Moore added. "Even if you step outside and can't see anything, in 10 minutes the whole sky could be ablaze."
A spokeswoman for Met Éireann said that while cloud might dissipate in some regions, it was not possible to predict that the lights would be visible from Ireland. "To see the northern lights down this far, you really need a very clear night and it looks like many areas will not have that."