Rare phenomenon: Northern Lights visible from parts of the Netherlands this morning

Sky-gazers were treated to a unique show of colour in the Netherlands on Sunday night, with the Northern lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, being visible in parts of the country. 

People in Drenthe, Groningen, Gelderland, and Friesland, among others, caught a glimpse of the special aurora, reports the NOS

The odds of seeing the northern lights this far south are rare. According to weather woman Harma Boer, this is extraordinary as “the best chance to see the northern lights is mainly at high latitudes, but sometimes you can also observe it in the Netherlands,” she stated to RTV Noord. 

Aurora Borealis: how she comes to be

The Aurora Borealis is a natural and spectacular light display that causes streaks of colours to “dance” in the sky, often in shades of green and purple. 

The phenomenon is caused by atoms and molecules in our atmosphere colliding with particles from the sun at extremely high speeds. The result? The Earth’s magnetic field redirects them to the North and South Pole, creating the wavy patterns of coloured light. 

While usually the Northern Lights are best seen in high-altitude regions closer to the Arctic, such as Scandinavia, they can be seen with the naked eye for a few days each year in the Netherlands. 👀

The best conditions to view the lights are away from any light pollution when the sky is dark and clear of any clouds. 

Taking it to Twitter

Those lucky enough to spot this magical sight in the Netherlands shared videos and photos on Twitter. 

Did you spot the Northern Lights in the Netherlands last night? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image:Depositphotos
Francesca Burbano
Francesca Burbanohttps://burbanofrancesca.journoportfolio.com
Francesca is an international at heart but moved to the Netherlands to get her degree in media and communication. While she's not a big fan of the cold weather and biking (for good reason — she's been hit by bikes three times already), she fell in love with the canals, bitterballen, and the 'gezelligheid' of Dutch culture. When she's not writing, you'll find her reading thriller books, hitting her personal records at the gym, and cuddling up with her Ragdoll cat.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related posts

Latest posts

Dutch Quirk #133: Pause halfway through a film in the cinema

Have you ever settled into your cinema seat only to realise you forgot to go to the toilet just before the movie starts? No...

8 books about the Netherlands you need to read

Grey and rainy days are no exception in the Netherlands, and there's nothing better than curling up inside with a book to while them...

11 books based in the Netherlands to add to your reading list

Can't get enough of the Netherlands? Here's a list of books based in the Netherlands that'll take you on a journey of bikes, cobblestones,...

It's happening

Upcoming events

The latest Dutch news.
In your inbox.