Pictures: Northern Lights give a display to remember over North Devon - and where you can see them tonight

The skies were alight as North Devon started the weekend with a dazzling and rare display of the Northern Lights over the whole region.

Our readers have sent us dozens of pictures of the stunning aerial lightshow from Exmoor down to the borders with Cornwall and everywhere in between.

Friday night saw the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis visible across the entire UK in a very rare phenomenon as the sun reached the peak of its solar cycle.

In case you missed it, the good news is the lights should be visible tonight (Saturday) too, as long as skies remain clear.

Above: Aurora at Petrockstowe, captured by Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin

The display could be seen by the naked eye across North Devon and Torridge on Friday night, although to capture the best images use a smartphone or camera on a long exposure night setting, held very still or ideally with a tripod.

Usually only visible in more northern parts of the UK, the entire country was treated to a display no one will forget, due to an extreme geomagnetic storm hitting Earth as the sun approaches its solar maximum – an 11 year cycle when there are naturally more sunspots on the sun’s surface.

When these charged particles hit gases in our atmosphere they create strong aurora activity – oxygen atoms will glow green, the most common colour in an aurora display, while nitrogen atoms give the purple, blue and pink colours.

When and where can I see the Northern Lights in North Devon?

Tonight (Saturday) is expected to give another good display, if not quite as strong as Friday night.

The aurora is likely to be visible absolutely anywhere, even in towns with street lights, but for the best results try and get as far away from other light sources as you can.

You will see more when it is properly dark, so ideally you need to be looking from about 11.30pm and often the best times are after midnight, so try and stay up, or perhaps make a family outing of it!

After Saturday night the weather is forecast to turn with more, cloud, wind and rain, so Saturday night – and maybe Sunday if weather permits – are likely your last chances to see the aurora for some time.

Tips for photographing the Northern Lights

Modern smartphones set to night mode will capture the display. Most have a night mode that takes a delayed image of three seconds or more of exposure, so you must keep it still while taking the picture, or better still use a tripod and a remote shutter switch.

A larger and heavier camera will really need a tripod or be rested on something to prevent camera shake.

Switch off all other light sources such as your car lights – this is also courteous to others who may also be trying to capture images.

Pictured above: Northern Lights at College Park Estate in Bideford, taken on Frdiay night by Karen Hayler

How will I know when the Northern Lights are happening?

While North Devon does not get the incredibly bright displays that are seen further north, you should be able to see something with the naked eye.

This will include a green or pinkish tinge to the sky as well as rays of light showing on the clouds as if someone nearby is holding a laser light show.

To see real time data of when the solar activity is highest and the aurora the most visible, use the AuroraWatch UK website or app, a free service provided by Lancaster University and also available to download free from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Safety tips and aurora etiquette

If you or your family head out to Exmoor or more remote places to view the Northern Lights, please stay safe and be aware there may be cars parked in the dark on the roads or people taking pictures.

When capturing your images, keep an eye out for any approaching traffic and ensure any children are kept away from the road.

Be aware of any dangerous cliff edges at coastal locations.

Once you arrive at a beauty spot or car park, please switch off all your car lights, including the internal lights, so you do not disturb others’ while they are taking pictures.