Scots photographer snaps rare aurora and moonbow display over North Lanarkshire skies

Scots Photographer Captures Rare Aurora and Moonbow Display in North Lanarkshire Skies

Residents of North Lanarkshire were treated to a breathtaking sight as a rare celestial phenomenon lit up the skies over the Kilsyth Hills on Sunday. The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, made a rare appearance, accompanied by a moonbow, creating a mesmerising spectacle that left spectators in awe.

Photographer Cat Perkinton managed to capture the extraordinary scene on camera, describing it as something she had never witnessed in her more than ten years of photographing the night skies. A moonbow is a phenomenon that occurs when moonlight is refracted through water droplets in the air, creating a faint and rarely seen rainbow-like arch in the night sky. Unlike a typical rainbow, which is produced by sunlight, moonbows appear white to the human eye due to the faintness of moonlight.

The aurora borealis, on the other hand, occurs when charged particles from the Sun interact with the Earth’s atmosphere, producing stunning displays of light in vibrant colours such as green, red, blue, and purple. The sighting of a moonbow is much rarer compared to the more commonly observed Northern Lights, making it a truly special event for those lucky enough to witness it.

Cat Perkinton shared her experience of the event, saying, “I managed to capture something I have never seen in more than ten years photographing the night skies this evening.” She recounted how the moonbow formed amidst the changing sky colours, lasting only around five minutes before being obscured by clouds. The photographer expressed her amazement at the sight, emphasising its rarity and beauty.

While Scotland and Northern Ireland are renowned for their ideal locations for viewing the Northern Lights, sightings of moonbows are far less common. The last reported sighting of a moonbow in Scotland was in 2022 above the Highlands. The convergence of these two celestial events in the skies above North Lanarkshire provided a unique and unforgettable experience for those who were fortunate enough to witness it.

In conclusion, the conjunction of the aurora borealis and moonbow in the North Lanarkshire skies offered a rare and awe-inspiring display of nature’s wonders. Cat Perkinton’s stunning photographs capture the magic of this event, reminding us of the beauty and mystery that exists beyond our daily lives.

Insights:
The article highlights the rare occurrence of both an aurora borealis and a moonbow appearing in the skies over North Lanarkshire, providing a unique and captivating sight for residents and spectators. The photographer’s firsthand account adds a personal touch to the story, showcasing the wonder and beauty of natural phenomena. The rarity of moonbows compared to the more well-known Northern Lights emphasises the exceptional nature of this celestial event.

Summary:
The article reports on a remarkable sighting of an aurora borealis and moonbow over North Lanarkshire, captured by photographer Cat Perkinton. The convergence of these two celestial phenomena created a stunning display in the night sky, delighting onlookers with its rarity and beauty. Cat’s photos serve as a testament to the magical experience witnessed by those who were fortunate enough to witness this extraordinary event.