The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, lit up skies above Lancashire at the weekend and we have some stunning pictures of the display.

Pictures of the lights over Blackburn were posted by Craig Smith. They show the sky glowing green and red.

They have previously been seen in Rivington.

They were taken on Sunday (September 24) from the Mill Hill area of Blackburn, looking out towards Witton.

Since posting the photos many people have commented on the images.

The Bolton News: Northern lights over BlackburnNorthern lights over Blackburn (Image: Craig Smith)One person said: “Wow super photos.”

“It was in Blackpool too,” said another.

A third commenter said: “Great pictures.”

According to the Met Office, the northern lights occur as a consequence of solar activity and result from collisions of charged particles in the solar wind colliding with molecules in the Earth's upper atmosphere.

The best conditions to view the lights are when the sky is dark and clear of any clouds.

Cloud cover ultimately blocks the view of the light. Ideally, the lights will be best viewed away from any light pollution, in remote areas, facing the northern horizon - north facing coasts produce some of the best viewing locations.

The northern lights are most active during the equinox and solstice in March, April, September and October.

Predominantly the northern lights are best witnessed in Scotland, North England, North Wales and Northern Ireland. However under severe space weather conditions, the lights can be seen throughout the UK.

The Met Office say there is a small chance you could see the northern lights again tonight (September 26), but add that the chance is low.