Dazzling Northern Lights to be visible from the UK TONIGHT – where and how to see them

 

NORTHERN Lights are set to be visible from some parts of the UK tonight following a string of solar flares that have hit Earth in the past week.

Multiple solar storms and a “dark eruption” have caused a rare “cannibal” gas ejection from the Sun which, as it hits our planet today, will create a dazzling display in the night sky.

A rare Auroral display over Stonehenge, Wiltshire in February earlier this yearNick Bull/pictureexclusive.com

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are the result of electrically charged particles from the Sun, smashing into gaseous particles in our planet’s atmosphere.

These events are called coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

Where will it be?

Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of England are expected to be graced with the view this evening.

According to the Met Office‘s space weather division, a coronal mass ejection from the Sun “may give Earth a glancing blow during the daylight hours of the 20th, giving a reasonable confidence of aurora sightings across the whole of Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England where skies are clear.

“However viewing opportunities are expected to be limited due to short hours of darkness at this time of year.”

Met Office research into the solar activity suggests that the aurora will most likely be seen in the north east of England.

So, if you live in these specific parts of the UK – you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the display.

How do I see it?

While the Met Office has cautioned folks that they may not be able to see the Aurora due to the time of year – there are a few tips you should know to increase your chances.

Firstly, it helps to be in an area with little light pollution.

Rural areas are best for sky gazing – but make sure your view isn’t obstructed by tress, or clouds (which may be inevitable).

The polar lights could appear anytime between 7pm and 4am.

Although, the the optimum time seems to be around 9.30pm to 1am.

Sometimes, Aurora displays can appear white to the human eye, so it can help to take a quick photo on your phone to help reveal the colours.

If you’re planning on photographing the aurora properly, you’ll need a DSLR or bridge camera and ideally a tripod.

Experts have also advised that hopeful watchers not be too disheartened if the aurora look dim at first.

This is because they usually brighten over the course of a few hours.

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