Here’s why lots of people saw white flashes in the sky over Ireland

Did you spot any?

Lots of people have been saying that they saw flashes of lights over the sky last night and this morning. A lot of reports have come in from the north east, especially over Belfast.

Flashes in the sky over East Belfast. UFO, or faulty street light? #WeDeserveTheTruth

— niallmcgee (@niallmcgee) October 14, 2016

Anyone else seen these bright white flashes in the sky this morning?? @barrabest — Emma Crawford (@monkey_mommie) October 14, 2016

I saw a number of white flashes in the sky as I drove to work this morning, but there was no thunder. Is this the end of the world?

— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) October 14, 2016

Has anyone seen those weird white flashes in the sky over Belfast? Freaking me out!! — गणपति बाप्पा मोरया! (@katzenzungen) October 14, 2016

But fret not, we're not being invaded. It's down to an aurora over Ireland. Astronomy Ireland gave an update on their Facebook page saying:

"An explosion on the Sun (CME) on Oct. 8th hit the Earth today with a glancing blow leading to strong displays of the Northern Lights that should be visible from all of Ireland. The Moon is nearly a Full Moon and so will brighten the sky even for rural viewers, but everyone should check the northern horizon all night long for possible display. We are expecting a 'coronal hole' on the Sun to cause more aurorae on Oct. 15th so check the northern sky every night from tonight (Thursday) until Monday!"

Here is the full post: