The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, could make a breathtaking appearance across parts of the UK tonight, according to meteorologists.
Where to Catch the Northern Lights
The Met Office forecasts the lights will be most visible over Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, especially in the first half of the night. Clear skies across much of the UK will provide ideal viewing conditions, despite the colder weather.
Jonathan Vautrey, a Met Office meteorologist, said, “Tonight is going to be pretty ideal conditions as there’s going to be very little cloud. Sometimes it’s easier to see through a camera or telescope if you have them.”
The Science Behind the Northern Lights
Aurora displays occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere around the magnetic poles. This collision emits light at various wavelengths, creating colorful displays in the sky. In the northern hemisphere, most of this activity takes place near the Arctic Circle.
When solar activity is strong, the lights can be seen as far south as the UK. The Met Office reported that the Northern Lights might even be faintly visible from the north Norfolk coast tonight.
Additional Viewing Opportunities
If you miss the lights tonight, there is another chance to see them on Friday night into Saturday. However, current forecasts suggest that the visibility of the aurora will be less likely than it is tonight.
To increase your chances of spotting the Northern Lights, look to the northern horizon and hope for clear skies overhead. Watching the lights through a camera or telescope can also provide a better view of this natural wonder.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Northern Lights and other celestial events from the Met Office and other weather forecasting agencies.
