‘Absolute chaos’ on Dartmoor as people turn out for the Northern Lights – but see nothing

Dartmoor was packed with stargazers last night (May 11) as dozens descended on the moor in the hope of witnessing the Northern Lights. The sudden influx led to “absolute chaos”, with long traffic jams blocking roads through the scenic area, which had been considered an excellent viewing spot for the stunning aurora.

Devon and Cornwall were treated to a spectacular light show on Friday night (May 10) as the northern lights painted the sky in vibrant shades of pink, purple, blue and green. This spectacle is unusual in southern Britain, but according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, visibility was enhanced on Friday due to an “extreme” geomagnetic storm approaching Earth.

These dazzling lights are the result of particles from space interacting with gases in our planet’s atmosphere near the magnetic poles.

Although less likely than the previous evening, there was another chance to see the celestial display last night. With Dartmoor predicted to provide a superb vantage point for Friday’s spectacle, hundreds flocked there again on Saturday, eager for an encore of the natural phenomenon.

A motorist traveling between Princetown and Yelverton last night captured footage of slow-moving traffic in the area. They described the scene as “absolute chaos”, with cars parked on both sides of the road.

They said: “Dartmoor is in absolute chaos tonight as people flock to try and spot the Aurora Borealis for the second night running. The Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, has been predicted to give us another spectacular show this evening. “

“This is causing havoc as seen here on the route between Princetown and Yelverton with cars parked on both sides of the road and even more on the route.”

“It was 11pm on my way back from Princetown. Luckily I was only stuck for about 15 minutes. I didn’t see anything.”