Anyone who happened to look up on Saturday night may have been treated to something rather special, as the Northern Lights brought beautiful shades of green and pink to the Norfolk sky. And there could be another chance to catch them this week.

Usually associated with the far north of Scotland, Iceland or Norway, the Northern Lights made another welcome appearance over Norfolk on Saturday evening, October 10.

Across the county, people were reaching for their cameras and mobile phones as the night sky took on an extraordinary glow.

Coastal areas offered particularly good opportunities to enjoy the display, with their darker skies and wide, open views towards the northern horizon.

And for those who missed it, there may still be time to catch a glimpse.

Another chance to look up

The Met Office has indicated that further sightings could be possible through to Tuesday, October 13, provided skies are clear and conditions are favourable.

Of course, the Northern Lights aren’t particularly good at keeping appointments. Even when conditions look promising, there is no guarantee they will appear.

But with the Sun going through a period of increased activity, Norfolk has enjoyed more opportunities to witness a phenomenon that once seemed something you would have to travel hundreds of miles to see.

What’s causing the colourful skies?

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, occur when charged particles from the Sun interact with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

The result can be glowing curtains, streaks and patches of colour, most commonly green but sometimes pink, purple or red.

The displays are linked to activity on the Sun, which follows a natural cycle lasting approximately 11 years.

The current period of heightened solar activity has brought increased opportunities to see the aurora further south than usual, including here in Norfolk.

Spring and autumn can also offer favourable conditions for aurora activity, making October a particularly interesting month for anyone who enjoys watching the night sky.

Where to get the best view

For anyone hoping to catch the next display, finding somewhere away from bright streetlights is a good starting point.

Our stretch of the Norfolk coast offers some wonderful locations, particularly around Hunstanton, Holme-next-the-Sea and the quieter beaches further along the coast, where there are open views and less artificial light.

A clear northern horizon is ideal, although particularly strong displays can spread much further across the sky.

And don’t be disappointed if the colours aren’t quite as vivid to the naked eye as they appear in photographs.

Modern mobile phone cameras can capture more light than our eyes, sometimes revealing colours and details that are difficult to see without a little technological assistance.

A little magic above our heads

There’s something rather lovely about a natural spectacle that encourages people to switch off the television, step outside and simply look upwards.

And while we can’t promise another dazzling display, the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights over our own corner of Norfolk is certainly worth keeping an eye on the forecast.

After all, you can travel a very long way to see the aurora borealis.

Or, if we’re particularly lucky, you might just need to step into the garden with a warm coat and a cup of tea.

Photo of Hunstanton by Julie Smart from Grimson