Dazzling pink sky seen in Birmingham during storm

"As rare snowfall blanketed much of the West Midlands on Thursday evening, residents were struck by an unexpected sight: a mysterious pink glow lighting up the sky. There was much speculation on social media as to whether the phenomenon was an unusually vivid sunset. Or was it the Northern Lights making a surprise appearance? The truth was far more down-to-earth. It turns out the source of the display were simple LED lights being used on the pitch at Birmingham City's football ground, the club has confirmed."

"Hednesford Town Football Club posted on social media that a similar phenomenon, earlier in the week, was caused by their LED pitch lights "helping the grass grow and recover, keeping us ready to chase three points, not the aurora". Lord Brocket/BBC Weather Watchers "Atmospheric conditions with low cloud and even during snow, can make the sky a little more reflective and show a glow of street lighting, buildings and even purple lights from football stadiums," the meteorologist added."

Rare snowfall in the West Midlands produced a mysterious pink glow across city skies. Social media users speculated about vivid sunsets or the Northern Lights. Birmingham City confirmed that LED pitch lights at St Andrew's stadium caused the display. Hednesford Town said their LED pitch lights produced a similar glow earlier in the week while aiding grass recovery. A meteorologist explained that low cloud and falling snow make skies more reflective, magnifying artificial lighting from streetlights, buildings and stadium LEDs. Images were shared from Birmingham and Hednesford, showing the pink-tinged skies.

Read at www.bbc.com