What is the rare Steve phenomenon? Bizarre name for stunning Northern Lights display

The uncommon Steve phenomenon, which shows during the show of the Northern Lights, appears arsenic a ribbon and lasts for astir 20 minutes to 1 hour, scientists say

Sky-watchers successful the UK were treated to the uncommon improvement known arsenic Steve arsenic the Northern Lights dazzled connected Monday.

Stunning images showed the fantastic illumination crossed our skies arsenic acold southbound arsenic Buckinghamshire and, portion forecasters initially expected the aurora borealis to appear, it was really its "cousin" called Steve. Steve, a comparatively caller technological discovery, appears during immoderate Northern Lights displays but it is fundamentally antithetic to the aurora borealis, which was predicted. Steve - oregon to springiness it its afloat name, Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement - is unpredictable and lone lasts for betwixt 20 minutes and 1 hour.

Research continues into the phenomenon, which appears successful ribbon formations alternatively than aurora borealis's ovals. Scientists suggests it comprises a fast-moving watercourse of highly blistery particles called a sub-auroral ion drift. It dazzled Brits connected Monday nighttime with stunning images taken crossed Northeast of England, parts of Scotland, Norfolk and adjacent arsenic acold southbound arsenic the Home Counties. Green, pinkish and purple hues lit up the sky. Steve was past seen successful the UK successful November past year.

The Northern Lights are a earthy airy show successful the entity caused by the collision of star upwind and magnetically charged particles with the atmosphere. They are astir commonly beryllium seen successful Scandinavia, particularly Norway, but tin beryllium disposable successful the UK erstwhile determination are convulsive star explosions.

In May, immoderate photos, sent to america astatine the Mirror, showed the lights, which 1 scholar described arsenic "a small spot of magic". They besides became disposable aft one of the strongest geomagnetic storms for years deed Earth earlier this year, with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issuing a uncommon star tempest warning. Such storms summation people's chances of seeing the lights.

Excited onlookers reported seeing the show from assorted areas, including Liverpool, Kent, Norfolk and Sussex. There person besides been sightings successful parts of Scotland. Nicole Jay, who watched the spectacular show from her plot successful Essex with hubby Richie, said: "It was specified an unthinkable experience. Especially from our ain garden! A small spot of magic."