Ireland is on northern lights alert again, with a powerful solar storm expected to reach Earth on Tuesday, raising the possibility of aurora sightings across parts of the country — including Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow.
The event follows a strong solar flare that erupted on Sunday, sending a fast-moving cloud of charged plasma — known as a coronal mass ejection (CME) — almost directly towards Earth. When these particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field, they can trigger geomagnetic storms and cause the skies to glow with the colours of the aurora borealis.
@radionova100fm
A major solar flare hit Earth yesterday, making it very likely for auroras to be visible in Ireland So here are a few tips that could help you observe them Tuesday night: Aim for low-pollution locations, such as seafronts or a rural areas. ️ The less light pollution, the better! Try to find the darkest location possible. A northern orientation increases your chances. While auroras are not always visible to the naked eye, your phone might be able to see them! A good camera set to low exposure might help you get a clearer view. Follow updates on Nova.ie
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The UK Met Office says there is a chance the storm could reach G4 strength, placing it in the same category as the storms that lit up Irish skies in October 2024, January 2025 and November 2025. However, whether the lights are visible locally will depend on two key factors: timing and cloud cover.
Geomagnetic storm watch for G4 storm from 20-Jan 00:01 UTC to 21-Jan 23:59 UTC https://t.co/9wIcjC6lQf
— Met Office Space (@MetOfficeSpace) January 19, 2026
Current forecasts suggest the CME could arrive anytime between 1am and 11.30am Irish time on Tuesday, a wide window that adds uncertainty. If the storm peaks earlier in the day, the strongest activity is likely to favour North America, meaning Ireland could miss the best of the display. If activity remains high into Tuesday evening, there’s a better chance of seeing aurora after nightfall.
For people in Dublin and the surrounding counties, light pollution will be the biggest challenge. Those hoping to catch a glimpse are advised to head away from city centres and look for dark, elevated locations with a clear view of the northern horizon. Coastal areas in north Dublin, rural parts of Meath, open countryside in Kildare, and higher ground in Wicklow may offer better conditions if skies clear.
@odisseiamors_ Northern lights from Smithfield Dublin - Ireland #northernlights #dublin #ireland #europe #north #iceland #aurora #auroraboreal #night #iphone #space #nasa #sky #skyphotography #skylovers #viral #tiktok #life #love ♬ Boundless Worship - Josué Novais Piano Worship
Even during strong storms, the aurora often appears as a faint glow to the naked eye in Ireland, rather than vivid colours. Smartphone cameras, however, are far more sensitive and can reveal reds, greens and purples not immediately visible.
Sightings of the northern lights have become more frequent in recent years as the Sun approaches the peak of its roughly 11-year activity cycle, meaning more solar storms are likely.
While cloud cover could yet spoil the view, space weather conditions can change rapidly — so for now, sky-watchers across Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow are being told to keep an eye on the skies just in case the heavens put on another rare show.
