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).
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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
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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.
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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.
Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? named biggest UK studio album EVER by Official Charts
Danny Jones
You’re damn right: Oasis continue to be MASSIVE as new figures from the Official Charts Company have confirmed that (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? has clocked in as the biggest UK studio album of all time.
The Britpop icons and history go hand in hand.
Yes, according to the latest numbers by our domestic chart-crunchers, only two other albums surpassed Oasis‘ second LP – and they’re both greatest hits collections.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, 22 July, just over a whole year on from those reunion world tour shows at Heaton Park. How fitting.
Starting off by channelling Liam Gallagher energy and quipping that “Oasis vibes are in the area”, they go on to explain the colossal cumulative record.
“Oasis claim one of the biggest honours in British music history, they write, “as (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? is named the UK’s Official biggest studio album of all time, according to new Official Charts Company data.”
Combining UK sales of the record – both physical and digital over the years – along with modern streaming statistics, the sophomore outing from the Britpop giants has amassed approximately 6.2 million UK chart units. Staggering stuff.
Last year’s Live ’25 shows have no doubt helped give an added boost to their metrics, but it’s still gargantuan stuff from the local band.
Yet another incredible stat not just for the Burnage boys but the Manchester music scene as a whole.
2026 looks to be just as big a comeback, by the looks of things.
In case you were wondering who beat them out in the race for the top spot, they were pipped to the post by Queen’s Greatest Hits and the same again from ABBA, two worthy opponents to take third place after.
You can see the rest of the list in full right HERE.
Oh, and Definitely Maybe also made the list, too, coming in at number 39 – making that two in the top 50 even amongst all the compilations.
It feels like last July all over again, doesn’t it? And if now isn’t the perfect time to stick on the title track, we don’t know what is.
Actually, sod it – we’re sticking the full thing on…
Manchester City auctioning off exclusive ‘artefacts’ from Pep Guardiola’s office
Danny Jones
Manchester City are set to auction off a limited number of used and/or signed items previously owned by legendary football manager Pep Guardiola himself.
The iconic Catalan head coach may have now left the club, but it’s fair to say that supporters are still grieving the bittersweet goodbye – and if you’re one of them, then this might be a good way of clinging on to him and the memories.
Teaming up with MatchWornShirt, an authentic collectables company that deals in memorabilia used by the sporting stars themselves, fans will soon be able to own a ‘piece of Pep’ if they so wish as part of this very special merchandise dump.
So, if you’re a collector of signed or match-worn merch, here’s a taster of what’s up for grabs:
Several items from @PepTeam's office are up for auction 🤝
Yes, should they be willing to put in the winning bid, Blues can genuinely own some of Guardiola‘s office knick-nacks, a tactics board and notes scribed on by the man himself, as well as his actual chair and even his whistle.
Does that count as kissing him? That’s not for us to say…
There is more standard fare, of course, such as worn training kits, photo frames, programmes and other printed media – almost all of which are signed by the 55-year-old.
On the other hand, if you’re so inclined to go for the super rare stuff, you can even buy his desk lamp and go-to coffee cups; whatever floats your boat.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss left Etihad Stadium this summer after 10 years as a Cityzen – with the club even releasing a dedicated ‘Decade Collection’ in his honour – and it now looks as though he could be set for his next job.
His former assistant turned replacement and ex-U23s/Elite Development Squad (EDS), Enzo Maresca, is now in place and making his first impressions on the City squad; safe to say it’ll take some work to leave the same lasting legacy as his mentor.
As for the auction, the club have labelled these exclusive trinkets as “artefacts”, promising that you won’t get many other opportunities, if any, to claim this kind of ‘KeePepsake’.
Meanwhile, in other MCFC news, the City Football Group (CFG) are taking steps to ensure local fans have easier access to matchday tickets with a new postcode lottery, of sorts.
Emily Sergeant -
15th September 2023 
