The Northern Lights in Chittlehampton, North Devon(Image: James Merriman)

Spectacular photos of the Northern Lights across Devon

Locals were treated to the stunning natural phenomenon last night

by · DevonLive

The Northern Lights illuminated the skies of Devon last night (Thursday, October 11). Amazing pictures show sightings of the stunning natural phenomenon in North Devon, Torbay and Plymouth.

The Northern Lights, formally known as an aurora, are caused by activity on the surface of the sun. It is usually only visible in the poles but Met Office forecasters revealed the phenomenon could be seen last night due to a severe solar storm.

The Exeter-based forecaster said there have been "more space weather events in recent months", including the Northern Lights, due to the sun nearing the peak of its solar cycle. Sadly, the chances of witnessing the amazing display again tonight (October 11) are much lower.

The Met Office's latest space weather forecast indicates that the likelihood of seeing the aurora will gradually decrease today. It will then become limited to far northern geomagnetic latitudes by Sunday (October 13).

Scroll down for pictures of the amazing display across Devon and Plymouth last night.

The Northern Lights in Chittlehampton, North Devon

The Northern Lights in Chittlehampton, North Devon(Image: James Merriman)
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The Northern Lights in Chittlehampton, North Devon

The Northern Lights in Chittlehampton, North Devon(Image: James Merriman)
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The Northern Lights in Chittlehampton, North Devon

The Northern Lights in Chittlehampton, North Devon(Image: James Merriman)
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The Northern Lights in Chittlehampton, North Devon

The Northern Lights in Chittlehampton, North Devon(Image: James Merriman)
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The Northern Lights in Chittlehampton, North Devon

The Northern Lights in Chittlehampton, North Devon(Image: James Merriman)
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