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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Nicola Davis Science correspondent

Northern lights: what causes them and where will I be able to see them?

United States Jake Foster
The northern lights over the causeway leading to Holy Island in Northumberland on Thursday night
The northern lights over the causeway leading to Holy Island in Northumberland on Thursday night. Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA

With reports of spectacular views of the northern lights on Thursday night, including sightings as far south as Kent in the UK, we take a look at what causes the phenomenon and how to catch a glimpse.

What are the northern lights?

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