Northern Lights: Stunning photos from across south Essex

Clear conditions matched with the sun nearing the peak of its solar cycle meant thousands across south Essex saw one of the most astonishing displays in the night sky on Thursday night. 

Members of the Echo's Camera Club and photographers across south Essex have captured the dazzling display in its full splendour as the area was treated to incredible lights. 

Incredible - The northern lights captured over Canvey Island (Image: Adrian Davis) Vibrant - A violet light display above Shoebury (Image: Ben Fry) Shimmering - Lights near Southchurch Park (Image: Carla Doodes) The lights were also visible in London, Kent and across east Anglia - with the appearance in the south of England a rare occurrence. 

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere around the magnetic poles, causing light to be emitted, creating colourful displays. 

Coast - The lights blend beautifully with a shot from Benfleet Station (Image: Darren Denton) Castle - A beautiful picture of the northern lights above Hadleigh Castle (Image: Rosie Barrett) Vibrant - Red lights photographed over Sweyne Park in Rayleigh (Image: Cheryl McGibbon) The sun works on an 11 year cycle, called the solar cycle, with the sun at its "solar maximum" until mid 2025 - meaning an increase in activity on the surface of the star. 

Shining - Lights over Hullbridge (Image: Mikayla Maddin) Belt - Particularly intense shining red light over south Essex (Image: Rob Clarke) Reflections - The northern lights reflected back in Shoebury Garrison lake (Image: Isaac Crew) Ethereal - Bright red and green light captured over Rayleigh (Image: Lisa Allen)

This results in large bursts of energy, which can lead to visibility of the aurora borealis.