"what had caused the huge anomaly"
The huge anomaly was actually caused by lack of common sense and non-existent correlation between local readings and solar activity.
In order for any sort of aurora to occur, the sun must have surface activity - activity which is at a low point at this time. So correlating whatever reading with current sunspot activity would have nipped that alert in the bud.
Plus : auroras in the UK night sky ? When was the last time that happened ?
Edit : by Jove, apparently it does happen, albeit rarely. My gast is flabbered.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
