Skygazers have been treated to a "spectacular" northern lights display with vivid colours dancing across the sky overnight. 

The aurora borealis was visible with the naked eye across Norfolk, in places such as Hunstanton, Foxley, Long Stratton and Great Yarmouth.

Eastern Daily Press: Steve Lansdell took this photo of the northern lights in Long StrattonSteve Lansdell took this photo of the northern lights in Long Stratton (Image: Steve Lansdell)

Photographers captured the bright streaks of greens, oranges and purples in the night sky in the early hours of Friday morning (March 24).

Gary Pearson, a photographer based in Hunstanton, said: "It’s the best display I’ve seen of them here in Norfolk in more than 10 years.

"It was even visible in Hunstanton, which is pretty amazing considering the amount of light pollution."

READ MORE: Where are the best spots to see northern lights in Norfolk?

Weatherquest forecaster Dan Holley, based in Long Stratton, said last night's display was "arguably the best display I've seen this far south with the naked eye."

 

 

Aurora is caused by atoms and molecules in our atmosphere colliding with particles from the sun, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich.

Eastern Daily Press: The northern lights over the old coal barn in Thornham. Picture: Gary Pearson PhotographyThe northern lights over the old coal barn in Thornham. Picture: Gary Pearson Photography (Image: Gary Pearson Photography)

The wavy patterns of light are caused by the lines of force in the Earth's magnetic field, and the different colours are made by different gasses - the green is characteristic of oxygen, while the purple, blue or pink are caused by nitrogen.

READ MORE: Moment photographer captures northern lights from north Norfolk coast

This is the second time this year that the aurora borealis has been clearly seen in Norfolk, with two nights of dazzling displays at the end of February.

Eastern Daily Press: The northern lights at Old Hunstanton by the lighthouse. Picture: Gary Pearson PhotographyThe northern lights at Old Hunstanton by the lighthouse. Picture: Gary Pearson Photography (Image: Gary Pearson Photography)

Aurora Watch UK, a service provided by space physicists from Lancashire University that monitor the aurora borealis, has said there is a high chance the display will be visible again tonight, issuing an amber alert.

 

Have you taken any photographs of the northern lights in Norfolk?

Send in your photographs to liveteam@newsquest.co.uk

Eastern Daily Press: Sue Bignell captured this photograph looking out into the North Sea from Sheringham's coastlineSue Bignell captured this photograph looking out into the North Sea from Sheringham's coastline (Image: Sue Bignell)

Eastern Daily Press: Claire Wright captured the northern lights over Morston Quay, saying it was a breathtaking displayClaire Wright captured the northern lights over Morston Quay, saying it was a breathtaking display (Image: Claire Wright)

Eastern Daily Press: The northern lights captured in Great Yarmouth by Simon LuckmanThe northern lights captured in Great Yarmouth by Simon Luckman (Image: Simon Luckman Photgraphy)