Spectacular footage captured from space shows the Northern Lights shimmering above Earth earlier this week, as intense solar activity triggered one of the most widespread auroral displays in years.

On Monday and Tuesday evening, skies across the United Kingdom were transformed into a vivid canvas of green and pink hues as the aurora borealis became visible far beyond its usual Arctic range. Residents across large parts of the country reported clear sightings, with many sharing images and videos of the rare phenomenon.

According to the UK Met Office, the display was driven by “severe geomagnetic storms” caused by heightened solar activity. Officials confirmed that the storms produced “widespread auroras visible across the UK,” with sightings extending as far south as northern Italy — an exceptionally rare occurrence.

Auroras form when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, releasing energy in the form of light. Strong geomagnetic storms can push these displays toward lower latitudes, making them visible in regions that rarely experience them.

Space-based views of the event highlight the scale and intensity of the storm, showing glowing arcs of light rippling across the planet’s upper atmosphere. Scientists continue to monitor solar conditions, noting that elevated activity could bring additional auroral displays in the coming days.