Want to see the Northern Lights? Meet the Mayo man behind Aurora Feed

As we enter a period when the Northern Lights may be visible again in Ireland, Jenny McEntegart talks to a Mayo man who wants to unite fans of the phenomenon

The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, photographed by a resident in Glanmire, Cork, in January. Picture: Michael Crowley

Although it’s happening more frequently, it never ceases to amaze. When the Northern Lights appear in our skies, we all become cheerleaders. Messages are exchanged between friends, and Instagram quickly fills with photos of that beautiful glow dancing across the horizon.

Once considered an exceptionally rare sight from Ireland, displays of the spectacular light show have become increasingly visible in recent years. These displays have sparked widespread excitement among photographers and amateur stargazers alike. People have witnessed in their own back gardens a sight they once thought they would have to travel to see.

As interest in the aurora continues to grow, sky-watchers are increasingly monitoring forecasts, hoping conditions might once again allow the night sky to briefly come alive.

The surge in interest has inspired one Northern Lights enthusiast to create a dedicated social media network designed specifically for people captivated by the lights. Mayo-based Jan Svamberg has developed a platform — Aurora Feed — for people to share photos, exchange information, and track potential sightings from around the world.

The idea borrows elements from familiar platforms such as Facebook and Instagram but with a deliberately narrow focus. Instead of endless streams of unrelated content, the platform is designed for those focused on the elusive Northern Lights.

Users will be able to upload images of displays, share tips on viewing locations, and learn more about both the science and folklore surrounding the phenomenon.

Mayo-based Jan Svamberg has developed a platform, ‘Aurora Feed’, for people to share photographs, exchange information, and track potential sightings of the Northern Lights

A key feature of the platform will be visibility forecasts, including a longer-range 45-day outlook aimed at giving enthusiasts a broad sense of when solar activity may increase.

While professional astronomers rely on shorter-term forecasts when predicting aurora displays, Svamberg, 36, believes the longer-range outlook may still prove useful for casual observers.

“It’s not designed to replace professional forecasts,” he says. “But it informs people of when there might be increased activity worth watching for. It could facilitate deciding on a holiday.”

The platform will also feature interactive maps, along with tutorials explaining how to photograph the lights, understand the science behind them, and interact with like-minded stargazers.

The Northern Lights occur when charged particles released from the Sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, producing the shimmering green, red, and purple colours sometimes visible from northern latitudes.

According to Frances McCarthy, education and outreach officer at Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork, the Sun is currently approaching the most active phase of its 11-year cycle, a period when eruptions such as coronal mass ejections become more frequent and auroras are more likely to be visible further south.

For Svamberg, it is much more than a scientific event. “The lights have always inspired stories. Across many cultures, there are legends and myths about what they represent.”

That blend of science and storytelling is something he hopes the platform will celebrate, creating a space where enthusiasts can learn, share experiences, and connect with others who feel the same fascination.

Astronomers say that fascination with the night sky can often function as a gateway into science. According to David Moore, editor of Astronomy Ireland magazine, astronomy is one of the most accessible ways for people to develop an interest in scientific discovery.

Referring to Svamberg’s new platform as “a superb idea, wonderful”, Moore says: “Anything that sparks curiosity about the universe is a positive thing.” He added: “Astronomy is a very popular entry point into science, and amateur astronomers often contribute valuable observations and information online.”

Moore also notes developing an interest in science can open doors to future careers.

Ireland has a strong science and technology sector, particularly in areas such as pharmaceuticals, and there is a huge demand for graduates,” he says, noting that encouraging young people to take an interest in science can lead to opportunities that are very much in demand.

Unlike many mainstream social media platforms, this site will also operate without advertising, something Svamberg believes will create a calmer, more focused environment for users. At a time when much digital life revolves around algorithms and targeted marketing, Svamberg hopes the platform might offer a different type of online experience, one centred on curiosity, creativity, and the natural world.

Interest in the Northern Lights has already grown organically online. Social media groups dedicated to aurora sightings attract thousands of members sharing photographs, forecasts, and real-time updates when activity increases.

Svamberg hopes the platform will bring those scattered communities together in one place, creating a global network united by a shared fascination with the night sky.