THE UK was dazzled at the weekend by what had to be one of the most spectacular displays of the Northern Lights in years, and this universal show of light fantastique was very much enjoyed in the Vale.
Stunning photos from Barry Island to Culverhouse Cross show the Northern Lights over the county in all their glory.
Sy Lennox took stunning photos including one with the famous Knap Gardens in shot.
Jack Ollier also caught incredible photos from the Island.
Richard Beard caught stunning shots from Porthkerry Park
Julia caught the glory of the lights in Colcot.
In Penarth, Neil Chadwick caught a great photo.
And Lawrence Mears caught a truly magical shot across Culverhouse Cross
What are the Northern Lights 'Aurora Borealis'
The natural phenomenon is caused by electrically charged particles from the Sun travelling millions of miles getting caught in the Earth’s magnetic field.
These particles accelerate down towards the north and south poles into the atmosphere, which essentially heats them up and creates the effect.
The different colours in the atmosphere are caused by different gases burning as part of this process with green being characteristic of oxygen while hints of purple, blue or pink are caused by nitrogen.
Skies across South Wales lit up by brilliant Northern Lights
Skies across South Wales were lit up in a brilliant pink and green from the Northern Lights last night.
The rare spectacular display was captured in Caerleon, Abertillery, Cwmbran, Chepstow, Ebbw Vale and the Griffithstown area of Pontypool.
Hannah Faulkner called the spectacle "absolutely beautiful” as her daughter Aleshia-May, 11, took some beautiful pictures of the stunning display from their back garden in Six Bells, Abertillery.
Barry one of the best places to see the stars in Wales
Barry is one of the best places to see the stars in Wales according to new research conducted by Millets.
The research reveals Barry as the fifth choice location for stargazing and full moon watching within the nation.
The stargazing ranking in Barry is 6.39/10, higher than Bridgend and Caerphilly which both rank a 5.94/10.
The light pollution level is 1.56 mcd/m2, indicating less disturbance to a clear sky view compared to bright cities such as Cardiff.
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