Witnessing the Extraordinary: The Aurora Borealis in Dorset

The heavens put on a show-stopping performance this past weekend, captivating residents and visitors alike as the elusive Aurora Borealis graced the skies above Dorset in a rare and unforgettable display. For those fortunate enough to witness this celestial spectacle, it was a moment of wonder and awe, a reminder of the beauty and magic that exists beyond our everyday lives.

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon typically seen in high-latitude regions near the Arctic and Antarctic circles. However, on the evening of Friday 10th May, residents of Dorset and across the UK were treated to a surprise appearance of this ethereal light show, painting the night sky with vibrant hues of green, purple, and pink.

The display was a result of a geomagnetic storm caused by a burst of solar activity, which sent charged particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere, creating the mesmerising light patterns we know as the aurora. For those who were lucky enough to witness the aurora, it was an experience that transcended words – a moment of pure magic that left a lasting impression. Social media was abuzz with photos and videos capturing the beauty of the display, as residents shared their awe-inspiring encounters with friends and followers around the world.

We’ve put together this blog as a collection of some of the best photographs we saw taken across the county, so we hope you enjoy it!

James Loveridge Photography

First off we’ll start with James Loveridge, a member of our Marketing Team and local award-winning landscape photographer!

James visited the pier at West Bay around 10:30pm on the night of Friday 10th May 2024 and took photos of the East Beach and cliff, which is one of his favourite spots in Dorset.

After realising the Aurora was visible in the skies facing East, he decided it was worth a trip to Lulworth Cove and then Durdle Door and we’re glad he did!

Highlands End Holiday Park

These photos were actually taken on-park at Highlands End would you believe it!

The first is a photo from Craig Hopkins who was staying on a gravel pitch on the clifftop at Highlands End and the second is a screenshot from our webcam that faces West from the park.

It shows the strength of the Aurora and the quality of our webcam that it was able to capture it so well!

Here’s a round up of some of the other best images we’ve seen from across Dorset…