The interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and highly charged particles fired at us by the Sun can generate Aurora at both poles of the Earth. In the Northern hemisphere these displays are called the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. Generally the stronger the solar storm the more eye-catching the show and the further south the show can be seen.

On the 25th of February 2014 the Sun shot a powerful X4.9 flare directly towards Earth and on the 27th it arrived in spectacular fashion, producing the brightest auroral display seen during the current solar maximum.

Maciej Winiarczyk headed to far northern Scotland for the occasion as soon as the flare had been spotted leaving the Sun and the results are remarkable. The video contains no CGI, no effects and is simply a very well shot time-lapse.

Presented for your viewing pleasure is the time altering art form of time-lapse photography put to spectacular use capturing one of Earths incredible talents, turning highly radioactive particles into a light show of incredible scale and beauty. Sit back, relax and we recommend going full screen on this one, it is well worth it.

Reference: Maciej Winiarczyk