March is set for some spectacular celestial displays with a ‘Blood Moon’, a partial solar eclipse, and, now, a potential Northern Lights display illuminating the sky at various points.
According to the Met Office space weather forecast, parts of the UK could see the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, tonight and later in the week.
The weather agency has pinpointed two dates that the Northern Lights could hit the UK, thanks to a ‘glancing Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun on Saturday (March 1).
Last October, large parts of the UK were treated to a stunning aurora display. The Northern Lights are caused by large explosions of solar activity that throw huge amounts of charged particles into space.
When these particles are captured by the Earth’s magnetic field, they can collide with gas molecules in the atmosphere. Light is emitted from these collisions at various wavelengths, forming spectacular colourful displays in the sky.
When to see the Northern Lights in the UK
The Met Office said: “There is a continuing chance of enhanced geomagnetic activity for the next 12 to 18 hours during Wednesday, March 5, with potential for aurora sightings across northern Scotland and similar geomagnetic latitudes.”
According to Met Office aurora maps, the best time for northern parts of the UK to spot the Northern Lights is around midnight on March 6.
The weather agency has also forecasted a 90% chance of Aurora for parts of the UK on Saturday (March 8).
The Met Office said in its four-day space weather forecast: “On [March 8] the next fast wind related to a coronal hole may reach Earth with elevated to strong levels.”
“Geomagnetic activity mostly at Quiet to Unsettled levels through the period, but on [March 5] and probably again on [March 8], Active to minor geomagnetic storm levels may reach Moderate geomagnetic storm levels.”
According to Met Office aurora maps, the best time to see the Northern Lights at the weekend is 9pm UK time, with up to a 90% chance of aurora for northern parts of the UK.
How to see the aurora borealis
To give you the best chance of seeing the aurora, avid skywatchers advise avoiding street lights. Those in northern regions should try to find a coastal location or the top of a hill to have a clear view of the skies. Clear skies are a must for aurora-spotting, so check your local weather forecast.
We are currently at the peak of the 11-year solar cycle, with high levels of solar activity increasing the chance of the Northern Lights being visible. This explains why the UK is seeing aurora displays more often than usual.
The Royal Astronomical Society said the current peak is expected to last until mid-2025. After that, the Northern Lights will only be visible in high-latitude countries such as Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Scandinavia, and Finland.