Mysterious weather phenomenon named 'Steve' spotted in UK skies on Bonfire Night

06 November 2023 , 18:55

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The spectacular display appeared in places across northern England (Image: Julie Smith / Story Picture Agency)

A rare weather phenomenon that leaves strange ribbons of purple light smudged across the sky left Brits thrilled as they spotted the natural display on Bonfire Night.

The spectacular occurrence is known as ‘Steve’ and left scientists baffled for years over how the light display is formed. Locals across the UK from Ayrshire in south-west Scotland to Corenside in Northumberland were treated to the marvel as they settled down to the night’s celebrations and fireworks.

A ray of mysterious, colourful light was captured cutting across the sky by an amazed onlooker. Although it looks similar to the Northern Lights, the two phenomena are actually very different. Researchers reckon the Northern Lights are caused by energetic electrons colliding with the atmosphere roughly 100km above Earth’s surface, whilst Steve is caused by a 25km-wide ribbon of hot gasses at an altitude of 300km.

Scientists previously probed the fascinating light show in 2019, after years of not knowing the cause. One study from the European Space Agency (ESA) analysed photos of Steve from two different locations - western Alberta and eastern British Columbia - and used the stars in the background to precisely orient the lights. They estimate that the optical emissions of Steve range from 130 to 270 km in altitude.

At the time William Archer, from the University of Calgary, said: “It is remarkable to see that originally citizen scientists of the Alberta Aurora Chasers triggered the curiosity of scientists to study Steve. I’m excited that we were able to extend our understanding of Steve using photographs taken by citizen scientists.”

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ESA scientists explained they had used photos captured by random onlookers as part of their study in order to ‘unravel the mystery that is Steve’. The mystery surrounding the phenomenon led to it being named after a scene from the animated movie Over the Hedge, where characters choose a name for something unknown to them.

Jake Loader