The Northern Lights may be visible from the UK tonight, according to the Met Office. The incredible natural lights show, known as aurora borealis, should be visible from Scotland – but the national forecaster has said northern England may be able to see it too.
Posting on X, the Met Office said those in Scotland should keep their eyes on the skies. The service said: “Eastern counties will have the best opportunity during the evening, with skies clearing slightly in the northwest later in the night after rain moves through.” A spokesperson added: “Cameras help as the long exposure allows loads of light in and enhances the colours more than the human eye can see. That is why you see pictures as far south as Cornwall sometimes though you’re unlikely to see it with the naked eye that far south.”
A Met Office spokesperson confirmed to the MailOnline that Scotland was indeed the best place to see the spectacle, but didn’t rule out those further south getting a glimpse.
“Heavy rain and cloud gradually moves from the northwest gradually southeast on Thursday night,” the spokesperson said. “This means viewing will be obscured for many, with perhaps the best chance in the north of Scotland, once the front has cleared the area.”
Aurora displays occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere around the magnetic poles.
In the northern hemisphere, most of this activity takes place within a band known as the aurora oval, covering latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees. When activity is strong, this expands to cover a greater area. This explains why displays can be occasionally seen as far south as the UK.
To give yourself the best chance of seeing the phenomenon, experts advise looking to the north and finding somewhere with a clear view with few tall buildings. It also helps to get up high on a hill. You can also use your phone, as their cameras can adapt to the wavelengths more than the human eye.
This means you may be able to appreciate the colours even more.