Wesham, Lancashire, UK – Video recorded by amateur astronomer Pete Franklin captures a breathtaking aurora borealis over rural Lancashire during the night of January 19–20, 2026.

The 1:52-minute handheld footage shows the northern sky exploding with vivid green curtains that surge, twist, and pulse with extraordinary energy. Bright arcs rise from the horizon before erupting into tall vertical pillars, rippling bands, and flowing waves that sweep rapidly across the frame. Subtle magenta and pink fringes edge the strongest green sections, creating a dynamic, almost overwhelming spectacle. The aurora reaches unusually high overhead for southern UK latitudes at 53°N.

The foreground is simple and dark: open fields and farmland silhouetted against the glow, with sparse winter trees and hedgerows lining the horizon. Low light pollution allows the colors to dominate vividly. No structures or people appear, and the handheld camera’s slight movement adds an immersive, raw perspective. The poster described it as “possibly the most dynamic display of #aurora I’ve ever captured,” urging viewers to “Watch to the end!”

This extraordinary display was caused by a G4 severe geomagnetic storm on January 19–20, triggered by a fast-arriving coronal mass ejection from an X1.9-class solar flare on January 18. The storm pushed auroras far south across Europe and parts of the U.S., with the Kp index reaching peaks of 7–8. Wesham’s rural dark skies provided an ideal vantage point for a clear, high-contrast view amid this wider European event.

The video quickly drew attention online, with viewers praising the intensity and movement of the lights. The footage highlights the rare and spectacular nature of southern UK auroras during the active phase of Solar Cycle 25.

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