Some Irish stargazers may be able to reel in the new year with the Northern Lights
Picture: 2024: As Seen From Cork 10th Lights City's Over Northside Northern Maryborough October O'hare Eddie Hill, The Douglas
Certain parts of the country could be lucky enough to ring in the new year with the Northern Lights later tonight – if the rain doesn’t spoil it.
As people across Ireland gather to sing Auld Lang Syne, the Northern Lights are expected to make an appearance.
Throughout 2024, there were a number of opportunities to spot the lights, with many people capturing stunning photos of the rare occurrence. And while some people missed out before, New Year's Eve is a great excuse to try to catch them as mny people will already be up late.
Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather posted a brief explanation to Twitter after receiving messages from followers.
He said: “The good news is there was two CMEs directed towards Earth, which means there could be a display of Northern Lights."
The bad news, however, is that there is a “lot of cloud forecast”. O’Reilly says there might be some breaks in the cloud which the lights could be visible through.
It’s probably not likely to make its way down to Cork, though, so anyone north of the country may have better luck.
The rain and cloud may also spoil any planned fireworks displays across the country, with Met Éireann’s forecast for New Year’s Eve predicting scattered showers across Ulster and north Connacht.
“Elsewhere it will be cloudy and rather wet with spells of rain at times, heaviest and most persistent in the south of the country,” the forecast says.
Fortunately, there will be sunny spells tomorrow to kick off the New Year.
If you are lucky enough to catch the lights, even through your phone’s camera, check out our top tips on how best to photograph them here.