Northern Lights could be visible in UK tonight as Met Office gives verdict

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

There could be an opportunity to see the Northern Lights across parts of the UK on Friday night and Saturday morning. According to the Met Office the lights, also known as aurora borealis, are most likely to be visible in areas of clear sky including in Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as northern parts of England.

Aurora displays occur when charged particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere around the magnetic poles. This emits light and creates colourful displays in the sky. READ MORE: NWAS employee arrested after Manchester City stars' items 'stolen' leaves service Met Office Space Weather Manager Krista Hammond said: “There is the potential for a coronal mass ejection to arrive at Earth late on Friday or early on Saturday, which could lead to visible aurora for Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England." If you are not lucky enough to witness the phenomenon tonight the Met Office said there could be an even better chance to catch a glimpse the following night.

Krista added: "“In addition, we recently observed an X9 solar flare – the largest of this solar cycle so far. The accompanying coronal mass ejection is likely to arrive at Earth overnight on Saturday into Sunday, meaning that enhanced auroral visibility is possible further south across central England and similar latitudes, though cloud and rain could hamper viewing potential for some.” Auroras are most commonly seen in high-latitude regions between 60 and 75 degrees.

When activity is strong, this expands to cover a greater area – which explains why displays can be occasionally seen as far south as the UK.