In Photos: Aurora Borealis and Draconid Meteor in Dublin skies

The aurora with a draconid meteor to the right of the image and a plane taking off to the left

There was a stunning sight to be seen in Dublin this Monday night with the Aurora Borealis and a draconid meteor making an appearance. Ian Carruthers of Irish Weather Online was out to photograph them in all their beauty and has kindly given permission to publish these great photos.

Speaking to WorldIrish Ian said:

I went out mainly in hope for some draconid meteors, I knew there was small chance of seeing the aurora but seeing the data at low levels before we left pretty much had all my hope faded away. We parked up took one or 2 test shots, 10 minutes later the skies cleared and saw a faint shimmer in the distance, then I saw it move... It was then i knew that it was the aurora and low and behold it showed up on camera in all its glory.

Even though I've seen them in Sweden back in January right above me dancing away, there was something special seeing them from my own " back yard " - Ian

Dublin is at a latitude of 53º North, it's quite rare to see them at that low level, even rarer to have clear skies for when that actually occurs... but... even rarer once again to see them during a meteor shower! - Ian