Stargazers on BA Aurora flight hosted by astronaut Tim Peake treated to 30,000 foot view of the Northern Lights

SERIOUSLY fortunate passengers aboard a British Airways Aurora flight got front row seats to the Northern Lights from an unusual vantage point.

Taking off at sunset, 142 starwatchers including British astronaut Tim Peake flew to the northern reaches of the UK where the aircraft circled 30,000 feet above the coast of the Shetland Isles.

The A320 cabin lights were shut off completely giving passengers the rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of the dancing celestial green hues from an aircraft window.

BBC’s The Sky At Night presenter Pete Lawrence gave a live commentary on the stars.

The Northern Lights then made a mysterious appearance.

At Gatwick before the flight, Tim delighted fans with a presentation on life aboard the International Space Station.


He explained what it’s like to see earth’s brilliant atmospheric light displays when he’s on board the ISS.

He said: “I thought I might see the aurora three or four times in a six month trip.

"But as it happens we saw the Northern Lights three or four times a week.”

The event was organised to raise money for Aerobility, a charity that gives people with disabilities the chance to fly light aircraft.

Captain Ian Mills, who operated the flight, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be able to support this special charter flight and we are delighted that we’ve played a part in helping raise money for a fantastic cause.”

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Mike Miller-Smith, chief executive of Aerobility, added: “We’re so pleased so many of our backers have been able to tick this experience off their bucket list.”

Sun Online has previously revealed that one lucky photographer has the world's best view of the Northern Lights – which is pretty handy for his photos.

The storms that trigger the lights have also been blamed for the deaths of up to 30 whales – as they affect their ability to navigate.

 

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