Video: Torbay illuminated by spectacular aurora display

Skies across Devon and large parts of the UK were illuminated on Monday night as a powerful solar storm brought the Northern Lights far further south than usual.

The Met Office confirmed that severe geomagnetic storm conditions were in place, producing widespread auroras across the UK, with sightings reported across Devon during the late evening and early hours.

Residents in coastal and rural parts of the county described seeing green and pink hues glowing above the horizon, with the clearest views found away from light pollution and under breaks in the cloud.

Among the most striking local sightings were scenes captured at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Coombe Park site near Totnes, where rescued horses and ponies were photographed beneath the illuminated night sky between 10.30pm and 11.30pm. Staff at the sanctuary said they were delighted to witness such an unusual natural display in the skies above the sanctuary.

The Met Office said the aurora was triggered by heightened solar activity, with charged particles from the Sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. When these particles collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, energy is released as light-producing the vivid colours seen during the display.

Oxygen is responsible for the familiar green glow and rarer red tones at higher altitudes, while nitrogen creates blue and purple shades.

Scientists have confirmed that the Sun is currently at solar maximum - the most active phase of its roughly 11-year cycle - meaning periods of increased aurora activity are expected to continue into early 2026.

While the Northern Lights are most commonly visible in Scotland and northern England, strong geomagnetic storms can push the phenomenon much further south, allowing sightings across counties such as Devon.

The Met Office said visibility is dependent on cloud cover and timing, with the best chances typically occurring during the darkest hours of the night.