In what is an undoubtedly rare sight for much of the UK, Northern Lights have been visible in our skies for several nights this week.
And this staggering phenomenon could even be set to stick around until Saturday.
Unlike the last time the Northern Lights – also known by the more scientifically-correct name of Aurora Borealis – paid a visit to the UK back in February of this year, and stopped skygazers in their tracks with a show-stopping light display, but Greater Manchester missed out on seeing them thanks to our classic rainy winter weather, even our region is being treated to the rare sight this time.
Sightings of Northern Lights have been reported right across the nation this week, of course from people in Scotland, and other northern places like Northumberland and in the Lake District, but not only that, even from as far south as Cornwall – and, right here in Greater Manchester too.
Northern Lights may be visible across Greater Manchester / Credit: Pxfuel | PDP
But if you’ve missed out on catching a glimpse of them this week, don’t worry, you’ve still got some time left, as according to the Met Office, Lancaster University’s ‘Aurora Watch’, and the Royal Greenwich Observatory, Northern Lights could be visible to the naked eye along the northern horizon from Scotland, where skies are clear, until tomorrow (Saturday 16 September).
Not actually sure what Northern Lights are? Or you’ve heard of them, but haven’t a clue how they occur? Or why we’re even seeing them from the UK in the first place?
We’ll try and sum it up briefly
Predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic, and most commonly-associated with Nordic and Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Iceland, Aurora Borealis is a natural light display in Earth’s sky that often appear as curtains, rays, spirals, or dynamic flickers covering the entire sky.
This staggering phenomenon could be set to stick around in the UK until Saturday / Credit: StockVault
Northern Lights occur as a consequence of solar activity and result from collisions of charged particles in the solar wind colliding with molecules in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, according to the Met Office.
They tend to appear as large areas of colour in the direction due north, with pale green, pink, shades of red, yellow, blue, and violet all typically seen depending on how strong or weak the Auroras are.
So now you can tell how rare it is to be able to see them from our region, right?
If you’re keen to catch the Auroras before they disappear tomorrow, then the best source to keep an eye on for information is Lancaster University’s ‘Aurora Watch’ here.
Catterall vs Eubank at AO Arena: will confidence or cocksureness pay off?
Danny Jones
The official press conference between Jack Catterall and Harlem Eubank got a touch heated in Manchester today, and not necessarily for the reasons you’d think.
Although there was certainly a bit of covert bite between the local lad and Eubank (nephew of Chris Eubank Sr.) most of bickering came as a result of an exchange between the latter and promoter and boxing manager, Sam Jones.
Who knows how much of the needle between entourages is genuine and what is simply for show, but there was plenty of jokes made about minced words, stuttering, wearing shades in doors and dodging on multiple levels. Catterall himself remained quiet and calm throughout.
Harlem’s backers firmly believe there is a lot more “skill” in his corner than can be said of his Chorley-born counterpart ahead of this weekend.
Nevertheless, the Manchester regular may have stayed largely modest throughout – as has always been his way – but he still had plenty of confidence and his own team reiterated that there he’ll prove “very difficult to beat.”
He even went on argue that he is “levels above him”, rubbishing any talk of a potential knockout risk.
On the other hand, they did admit that he “can’t afford an 8 or 10-rounder” at this point in his career and a need him to put in a performance.
Meanwhile, Harlem could not have been cocksure of himself and was happy to play into the Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn’s hands in terms of the stereotypical ‘arrogant’ back-yourself kind of boxer vs the quiet, understated, underdog.
Insisting that he wants to “become a world champion” and even squeezing in a dig at fellow Brit, Conor Benn – who will be facing his cousin Eubank Jr. in a rematch this September – labelling the 28-year-old an “alleged drug cheat”.
There was even more excitement over in the ‘Small Talk’ studio set up inside the AO Arena, as recently retired MMA fighter, ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann, had an announcement of her own.
The Catterall vs Eubank press conference had another big bonus up its sleeve.
Over in the ‘Small Talk’ studio over to the side, confirmation from Eddie Hearn that Molly McCann, was announced as the latest Matchroom signing.
It was said that she expects to undertake her first seven or eight fights within the space of year, telling media that “this was always the plan” and despite “lots of offers” from different promotions, “There’s no other place [she’d] rather be.”
Hearn went on to state that he can see her competing for a title “within months”, adding: “I truly believe she’ll be a world champion.”
Featured Images — The Manc Group/press shots (supplied)
Trending
Jet2 and Greggs is offering Mancs the chance to win a luxury holiday for the price of a sausage roll
Thomas Melia
Jet2 has teamed up with Greggs to announce a new competition where you can win a holiday for the price of a sausage roll.
If you didn’t know by now, ‘Nothing beats a Jet2 Holiday’, and as the British budget airline launches its latest collaboration where you can win a holiday for the same price as a sausage roll, we’d say that’s pretty accurate.
Fancy laying down in the scorching heat and baking yourself just like a trusty Greggs sausage roll? Well it’s a good thing these two iconic companies have teamed up then, because now you can do just that.
Jet2 and Greggs are giving away a three-night all-inclusive holiday to Marbella for the same price as everyone’s flaky-pastry favourite priced at £1.30.
In a video shared to social media, internet personalities Charley Marlowe and Luke Hamnett announced this brand-new offer in an extremely on-brand way.
The video sees the pair taking on very different roles, quite literally, as Hamnett dresses as a sausage roll while Marlowe tries her hand as a cabin crew member.
This exclusive campaign sees you in with the chance of winning a three-night all-inclusive holiday to the luxury Spanish destination, staying at Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach from 2 October – 5 October 2025.
Jet2 and Greggs is offering a luxury holiday for the price of a sausage roll / Credit: Laura Barry (via Unsplash) | Greggs
On top of this, you’ll also get a handful of Jet2 and Greggs co-branded goodies sent to your door before take-off, and there may even be a present or two in your hotel room as well.
I think it’s safe to say there certainly will be carbs in Marbs.
Emily Sergeant -
15th September 2023 
