Northern Lights photographed in Kilkenny last night - and could return tonight!

Kilkenny residents were treated to a celestial spectacle last night as the Northern Lights made a rare appearance in the skies above the county.

While the naked eye couldn't fully appreciate the spectacle, long exposure photography allowed enthusiasts to capture the event.

Stunning images of the lights flooded social media platforms, with many people sharing their awe-inspiring shots (see below).

Kilkenny just now pic.twitter.com/WER0TtBQHx

— John Vinegar (@JohnStarVereker) November 5, 2023

Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny pic.twitter.com/ymfktVQTlN

— Kevin Harte (@hartey85) November 5, 2023

Kilkenny! pic.twitter.com/r2Zjtnv0sJ

— Cal (@Calpmaar) November 5, 2023

Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny. pic.twitter.com/iTwMtCIlUh

— Streetlink Homeless Support, Dublin-Ireland. (@StreetlinkBAC) November 5, 2023

For those who missed out or are hoping for an encore performance tonight, here are some tips to capture the Northern Lights in photos:

1) Choose a location with minimal light pollution. Head to rural areas or the outskirts of Kilkenny, away from city lights, for the best viewing and photographic opportunities.

2) Keep an eye on weather conditions, as clear skies are essential for spotting and photographing the Northern Lights.

3) To capture sharp and steady shots, use a tripod to stabilize your camera during long exposure shots.

4) Set your camera to a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8) and a low ISO (e.g., 400) to capture more light and reduce noise in your photos.

5) Manually focus your camera to infinity to ensure sharp images of the distant lights.

6) Experiment with different exposure times, but start with around 15-30 seconds. Longer exposures can capture more vivid colours and details.

7) The Northern Lights can be unpredictable, so be patient and ready to wait for the right moment. Keep an eye on aurora forecast websites and apps to maximize your chances of a sighting.