The northern lights were observed in the evening over Mykolaiv region

In the evening, the northern lights were observed over Mykolaiv Oblast. Photo: Mariana Lebedeva

On the evening of 20 January, a rare natural phenomenon for Ukraine, the northern lights, was observed again over the Mykolaiv region.

According to the Mykolaiv Regional Hydrometeorological Centre, residents of Mykolaiv could observe the aurora in the region from 17:50 to 21:40 Kyiv time.

The northern lights are usually visible in northern countries such as Norway, Iceland, and Canada, but during periods of strong magnetic activity, they can sometimes be seen much further south, including in Ukraine.

In the evening, the northern lights were observed over Mykolaiv. Photo: Mykolaiv Regional Hydrometeorological Centre

The northern lights were observed over Mykolaiv region in the evening. Photo: Mykolaiv Regional Hydrometeorological Centre

Scientists explain that the northern lights occur when charged particles from the Sun reach the Earth and interact with the planet's magnetic field. When they enter the upper layers of the atmosphere, they cause gas molecules to glow in different colours: mainly green, red or pink.

The northern lights were observed over Mykolaiv Oblast in the evening. Photo: Mariana Lebedeva

In the evening, the northern lights were observed over Mykolaiv. Photo: Mariana Lebedeva

However, even if the aurora appears over a certain area, not everyone can see it. This natural phenomenon is often difficult to see due to light pollution from artificial city lighting, cloud cover or even fog.

Despite this, some residents of Mykolaiv still managed to film this rare phenomenon. The photo was taken and published on her Facebook page by photographer Mariana Lebedeva.

In the evening, the northern lights were observed over Mykolaiv. Photo: Mariana Lebedeva

The northern lights were observed over Mykolaiv region in the evening. Photo: Mariana Lebedeva

How to observe the celestial glow?

Experts advise that if this phenomenon repeats itself today, you should

• go outside the city, away from artificial lighting from houses, streetlights and advertisements;
• choose an open area without trees or buildings;
• look towards the north or north-east;
• give your eyes 10–15 minutes to adjust to the darkness;
• for photos, turn on night mode, set the exposure and place your phone on a tripod for convenient filming.

Remember, earlier, the Webb telescope «caught» a star explosion from the time when the universe was just being born.