The Northern Lights has lit up the night sky with rare sightings across the country - with some of the best pictures taken in Watford.

The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, has been spotted in vast parts of Watford, Bushey and Rickmansworth as residents stayed up late to catch the rare phenomenon on camera.

Most people spend thousands of pounds heading to Lapland in Finland to catch the stunning light show - but last night it lit up Hertfordshire to the delight of residents.

Watford resident Abul Shah said: "The sky lit up over Watford, with a once-in-a-lifetime view. It was beautiful. I travelled to Cassiobury Park around 11pm to get the best view."

Watford Observer: Northern Lights at Cassiobury Park at about 11pm last night. Picture: Abul ShahNorthern Lights at Cassiobury Park at about 11pm last night. Picture: Abul Shah (Image: Abdul Shah)

Pammie Timmis, from Bushey, simply added: "The Sky is alive."

Watford Observer: Northern Lights in Bushey at midnightNorthern Lights in Bushey at midnight (Image: Pammie Timmis)

Visibility of the Northern Lights was increased on Friday because of an “extreme” geomagnetic storm, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The NOAA said the G5 geomagnetic storm, which is considered extreme and is the strongest level of geomagnetic storm, hit earth on Thursday and could affect communications, GPS and power grids.

Watford Observer: Northern Lights in West Watford Northern Lights in West Watford (Image: Claire Tessier)

Watford Observer: Northern Lights picture supplied by Kurtis WhiteheadNorthern Lights picture supplied by Kurtis Whitehead (Image: Kurtis Whitehead)

Watford Observer: Northern Lights picture supplied by Kurtis WhiteheadNorthern Lights picture supplied by Kurtis Whitehead (Image: Kurtis Whitehead)

The cause of this storm is a “large, complex” sunspot cluster and is 17 times the diameter of earth, with the last storm with a G5 rating hitting earth in October 2003, causing power outages in Sweden.

The NOAA said the lights could be seen as far south as Alabama and southern California in the US.

Watford Observer: The Aurora Borealis was clearly visible over Cassiobury Drive, Watford late Friday, May 10.The Aurora Borealis was clearly visible over Cassiobury Drive, Watford late Friday, May 10. (Image: Alastair Paterson)

Watford Observer: Aurora Borealis in Cassiobury Park, Watford.Aurora Borealis in Cassiobury Park, Watford. (Image: Damian Smyth)

Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said on Friday there was a good chance for the Northern Lights to be seen.

He said: “Although the shorter nights will limit the visibility window, there’s a good chance to see the aurora, particularly on Friday night and especially in Scotland, Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales.

Watford Observer: Samrah Nouman captured this shot of the Northern Lights in WatfordSamrah Nouman captured this shot of the Northern Lights in Watford (Image: Samrah Nouman)

Watford Observer: Hemel Hempstead Northern Lights displayHemel Hempstead Northern Lights display (Image: Ian Bennell)

“There could even be visibility further south if you have the right equipment.

“Those conditions could continue on Saturday night but we still have to work out some details on where exactly that will be.”

Mr Dixon said the combination of clear skies and enhanced activity from the sun reaching Earth would improve the chances of seeing the display.